Difference Between Primary Key and Unique Key
By BYJU'S Exam Prep
Updated on: September 25th, 2023
The Difference Between Primary Key and Unique Key is that the unique key is used to prohibit the duplication of the entries in the columns. In contrast, the primary key is used to identify. Keys are widely used to construct relationships and access information between two or more tables. The keys are used to provide uniqueness to the columns in tables.
Difference Between Primary Key and Unique Key PDF
Here, we will learn about the difference between the primary key and the unique key. Thereafter we will elaborate on what are the primary key and unique keys. In the sections below, various parameters are explained regarding the differences between the two.
Difference Between Primary Key and Unique Key
Although there are various similarities between the primary key and the unique key, such as used to create the uniqueness and integrity of the database stored in the column, there are a few differences between the two, which are important for the GATE exam. Check out the table provided below to know the difference between the primary key and the unique key in various aspects:
Key Differences Between Primary Key and Unique Key
| Primary Key | Unique Key |
| This is used to prohibit null values. | Do not prohibit null values. |
| It is known as the unique identifier. | Used for unique identification in place of the primary key. |
|
Only once can be used in the table. |
It can be used more than once on a table. |
| A clustered index is created. | No clustering of the index is created using this key. |
| Enforces the integrity of the entity. | It does not implement the integrity of the entity. |
| Values can not be deleted. | Discounts can be modified. |
Primary Key and Unique Key
A Primary key is used in a table to identify every row. It is defined at a column level. Whereas a unique key uniquely identifies the database in one or more columns in a table. It is similar to the primary key, but the null value is not restricted. Null values can enter the column of the table. Identical values are not stored in this. Let us understand both Primary Key and Unique Key in detail.
What is a Primary Key?
The primary key is used when null values are restricted from entering a column. Questions in the GATE question paper are sometimes formulated based on the primary key. They can also be used to maintain the integrity of the database in the queue.
The primary key feature is to implement the integrity of the elements in the table. The columns where the primary key is used are defined as not null. More than one primary key can not be used in a table. The primary key can contain more than one column per table.
What is a Unique Key?
A unique key is used to examine whether the entries in the columns are amazing or not. It is an essential part of the GATE CSE syllabus. It will be used instead of primary when a null value is allowed to be inserted. The key feature of a special key is that more than one of it can be defined for the table.
