Referential Integrity in Databases

It ensures consistency by preventing orphaned records when linked tables are updated.

Referential integrity is a fundamental concept in relational databases that ensures the consistency and accuracy of data across related tables. Its primary role is to maintain valid relationships between data entries by enforcing rules that prevent orphaned or inconsistent records. Specifically, referential integrity: - Ensures that a foreign key value in one table corresponds to a primary key value in another table. - Prevents the deletion or modification of records that would leave related references invalid. - Maintains the logical coherence of the database by enforcing valid links between related data. In essence, referential integrity helps preserve the logical connections within the database, ensuring data remains accurate, reliable, and meaningful across all related tables.

Referential integrity in databases ensures the consistency and accuracy of data relationships between tables. It prevents situations like orphaned records and invalid relationships, maintaining data accuracy and integrity. It works by enforcing rules that ensure data relationships are valid, such as ensuring that every foreign key value corresponds to a valid primary key value in the referenced table. By enforcing these rules, referential integrity safeguards against data inconsistencies, improves data quality, and enhances the overall reliability and efficiency of the database.