The quality of the data in a database is largely due to its integrity. One great example of this is in employee identification. If one employee is given an ID of 112, the particular database in which that information is entered should not include another employee with that same ID. This is where data integrity comes into play.

Databases are made up of tables containing information. Each is created for specific types of data and should not accept anything else. When creating a table, valid values for a given column should first be identified. You will then need to decide how to enforce the integrity of the data entered in each column.

Categories of Data Integrity

There are several categories of data integrity. They are:

  • Entity Integrity
  • Domain Integrity
  • Referential Integrity
  • User-Defined Integrity

All of these data integrity categories play an important role in creating a database that will work correctly.

Entity Integrity

Here, each row of a particular table is defined as a unique entity. It enforces the integrity of the identifier column or columns, or the primary key of a table. This last part is accomplished through indexes, primary key constraints, identity properties, or unique constraints.

Domain Integrity

This is the validity of entries for any given column. It can be enforced by restricting data types, format, or range of possible values of data.

Referential Integrity

This preserves the relationships between tables whenever records are entered or deleted. When this occurs, users can’t add records to a related table when no associated record exists in the primary table. Records in a primary table also can’t be deleted if matching related records exist.

User-Defined Integrity

This allows you to define specific rules that don’t fall into one of the other integrity categories listed above. All of the categories support user-defined integrity.

Ensure Proper Database Function With Proper Data Integrity

Data integrity will affect your online presence by ensuring all databases work properly. This makes the processes of searching and manipulating data go smoothly and occur without errors. This is a very important part of any database, especially when it contains a vast amount of information that needs to be accessed quickly. Consider the tips above when creating your next database, and you’re looking for help you can always call the professionals at Premier IT Support.