Computer Science Keys: Types, Uses & Security
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Computer Science Keys: Types and Uses
Definition — Instance 1
In computer science, a key refers to a unique identifier or a combination of values that is used to:
- Identify a record or a row in a database table.
- Authenticate users or devices.
- Encrypt or decrypt data.
Types of keys:
- Primary Key: A unique identifier for a record in a database table.
- Foreign Key: A field that links two tables together.
- Unique Key: Ensures that each value is unique.
- Composite Key: A combination of two or more fields used as a primary key.
- Encryption Key: Used to secure data by converting it into an unreadable format.
- API Key: Used to authenticate and authorize access to APIs (Application Programming Interfaces).
Keys play a crucial role in maintaining data integrity, ensuring data security, and facilitating data retrieval and manipulation.
Definition — Instance 2
In computer science, a key refers to a unique identifier or a combination of values that is used to:
- Identify a record or a row in a database table.
- Authenticate users or devices.
- Encrypt or decrypt data.
Types of keys:
- Primary Key: A unique identifier for a record in a database table.
- Foreign Key: A field that links two tables together.
- Unique Key: Ensures that each value is unique.
- Composite Key: A combination of two or more fields used as a primary key.
- Encryption Key: Used to secure data by converting it into an unreadable format.
- API Key: Used to authenticate and authorize access to APIs (Application Programming Interfaces).
Keys play a crucial role in maintaining data integrity, ensuring data security, and facilitating data retrieval and manipulation.
Definition — Instance 3
In computer science, a key refers to a unique identifier or a combination of values that is used to:
- Identify a record or a row in a database table.
- Authenticate users or devices.
- Encrypt or decrypt data.
Types of keys:
- Primary Key: A unique identifier for a record in a database table.
- Foreign Key: A field that links two tables together.
- Unique Key: Ensures that each value is unique.
- Composite Key: A combination of two or more fields used as a primary key.
- Encryption Key: Used to secure data by converting it into an unreadable format.
- API Key: Used to authenticate and authorize access to APIs (Application Programming Interfaces).
Keys play a crucial role in maintaining data integrity, ensuring data security, and facilitating data retrieval and manipulation.