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What is a concatenated primary key?

  1. A primary key consisting of multiple fields added together

  2. A unique identifier that can only be a single field

  3. A primary key used for data integrity

  4. A secondary key that links to another table

The correct answer is: A primary key consisting of multiple fields added together

A concatenated primary key is indeed defined as a primary key consisting of multiple fields added together to create a unique identifier for a record within a database table. Its primary purpose is to ensure that each record can be uniquely distinguished from one another by combining the values of two or more columns. This approach is particularly useful in scenarios where a single field would not provide sufficient uniqueness by itself, such as in a join table that links two other tables. Using a concatenated primary key often enhances data integrity and allows for more complex relationships within databases. Each combination of the fields must be unique, which aids in the organization and retrieval of records efficiently. In summary, this definition accurately captures the essence of a concatenated primary key in database management systems.