What is a candidate key ?

[chinmay]

A table may have more than one combination of columns that could uniquely identify the rows in a table; each combination is a candidate key. During database design you can pick up one of the candidate keys to be the primary key. For example, in the supplier table supplier id and supplier name can be candidate key but you will only pick up supplier id as the primary key.

[stuartspindlow]

A candidate key is a column, or set of columns, in a table that can uniquely identify any database record without referring to any other data. Each table may have one or more candidate keys, but one candidate key is special, and it is called the primary key.

[clonect]

The best way to define candidate keys is with an example. For example, a bank’s database is being designed. To uniquely define each customer’s account, a combination of the customer’s ID or social security number (SSN) and a sequential number for each of his or her accounts can be used. So, Mr. Andrew Smith’s checking account can be numbered 223344-1, and his savings account 223344-2. A candidate key has just been created.

[kathrynloren]

A Candidate Key can be any column or a combination of columns that can qualify as unique key in database. There can be multiple Candidate Keys in one table. Each Candidate Key can qualify as Primary Key. Primary Key – A Primary Key is a column or a combination of columns that uniquely identify a record.

[Anny33]

Candidate Key is a column or combination of columns that can qualify unique key in a database.

[johnstark166]

Candidate Key – A Candidate Key can be any column or a combination of columns that can qualify as unique key in database. There can be multiple Candidate Keys in one table. Each Candidate Key can qualify as Primary Key. Primary Key – A Primary Key is a column or a combination of columns that uniquely identify a record

[Shivangi Panwar]

A candidate key is a unique identifier that could be used as a primary key, which when you choose the primary key, the rest will then just be data fields

[rickysmith]

A applicant key is a column, or set of content, in a desk that can exclusively recognize any information source history without mentioning to any other information. Each desk may have one or more applicant important factors, but one applicant key is unique, and it is known as the main key.

[SD Group Kolkata]

A candidate key is a column, or set of columns, in a table that can uniquely identify any database record without referring to any other data. Each table may have one or more candidate keys, but one candidate key is special, and it is called the primary key.

[charlesdickens]

A candidate key is a column, or set of columns, in a table that can uniquely identify any database record without referring to any other data

[Krishnabangla]

A candidate key is a column, or set of columns, in a table that can uniquely identify any database record without referring to any other data.

[jackar56]

Candidate Key is the attribute/column or a set of attributes/columns in a relation/table that qualifies for uniqueness of each tuple/row. A relation/table can have one or more than one Candidate Keys. A Candidate key is also known as a minimal Super key.

[scalemanager]

A Candidate Key can be any column or a combination of columns that can qualify as unique key in database.

[educaindia358]

Thanks

[educaindia358]

A candidate key is a column, or set of columns, in a table that can uniquely identify any database record without referring to any other data.