Motilal

 Profile Answers by Motilal 

• Jul 17th, 2006

 

Sarogate keys are implemented by using the Sequence generator.

If your indication is different then please thow the question, with a bit elaboration.

Thanks,

Srini

• Aug 8th, 2006

 

Surrogate keys are meaning less key mainly used to join dimensional tables with that of fact tables. It is also called as meaningless key ,smart key, intelligent key that is a substitute for natural primary key. In datawarehouse typically use surrogate keys for dimensional tables primary key. It is used in slowly changing dimension.

Regards,

Srini

Rishikesh

• Aug 24th, 2006

 

HI, Surrogate key is generated using Sequence generator .it is used in slowiy changing dimension mappings rishi

KevinKWada

 Profile Answers by KevinKWada 

• May 23rd, 2011

 

Surrogate key.  A key with no business meaning.

Natural key.      A key that is formed of attributes that already exist in the real world.  For example, U.S. citizens are issued a Social Security Number (SSN).  SSN could be used as a natural key assuming the scope of your organization is limited to the U.S. 

The advantage of natural keys is that they exist already.  However, the disadvantage of natural keys is that because they have business meaning they are effectively coupled to your business: you may need to rework your key when your business requirements change.

There are several advantages to surrogate keys.  First, they aren't coupled to your business and therefore will be easier to maintain (assuming you pick a good implementation strategy, e.g. MAX plus 1).