Disclaimer: SQL/database newbie here. Let's say I have a table of authors with columns for last name and first name. Is there any general guideline re using a separate integer for the primary key as opposed to a combination of the last and first names as the key? I ask because by using the names, this would prevent duplicate entries into the db, right? Whereas using a separate integer key would not prevent this--you'd have to search for the author to see if it was already in the db before inserting to avoid dupes, right?
Assume I am not concerned about there being two different "Joe Smith" authors that are different people. I only want to associate an author name with a book. (Any pointers to good resources besides advice from this list also appreciated) Many thanks. -Chris --------------------------------------------------------------------- Before posting, please check: http://www.mysql.com/manual.php (the manual) http://lists.mysql.com/ (the list archive) To request this thread, e-mail <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To unsubscribe, e-mail <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Trouble unsubscribing? Try: http://lists.mysql.com/php/unsubscribe.php
