Working with Foreign Keys

This lesson explains how to use foreign keys to make sure valid data is entered and how to create foreign keys using the different techniques available in Management Studio. Foreign keys are an essential part of database design, definitely worth learning!

Andy Warren is a software trainer focusing on SQL Server, a member of the PASS Board of Directors, and a principal in this site - SQLShare.com.

Leonard Peoples on 10/13/2009

Very nice. Sometime we need reminders of the simple things. Thanks. Keep 'em coming.

Travis on 10/13/2009

As you pointed out, database diagrams are not really a good way to add FK's although you can do it that way, it can be misleading and dangerous.. Add them the old fashioned way instead. Don't show people tricky ways to shoot themselves in the foot, they just might do it.. :)

Thad Moorer on 10/14/2009

Video is efficient and effective. Gives you as much detail as needed while keeping you interested and not bored with superfluous information.

Boyd Petrie on 10/14/2009

I know this is probably superfluous and beyond the scope of this video, but it would be nice to also show how this would operate inside an application (if a city is entered in an app by a user, what do they see when SQL Server's FK relationship rejects the change?) But keep up the good work!

FD928096BE on 10/17/2010

Tx.

vishva deepak on 7/31/2011

good

Serhat Krg on 2/24/2012

there is some crackling on sound

Sherry on 2/24/2012

I like it.

Yelena on 2/24/2012

Thanks!

Roxanne Lenahan on 2/24/2012

Love that all of the examples are set up to run all in a row (with great explanations)

borjonx on 2/24/2012

good clear speaker, also not too fast.

Bruce Bealer on 2/24/2012

I did not know about the database diagram method

Josh on 2/24/2012

Would be nice if you offered a "tips and tricks" part of the video, examples of odd errors you might encounter, mention the naming scheme you used for the FK name and why. Also, talk about how an ALTER TABLE statement might not be a good idea to run in the middle of the day on a production system. Basically, add some additional human wisdom and insight to expand beyond the general BOL material. It was a great video, it would just be really wonderful if you could add some of your wisdom and insight to give a "here are a few things to look out for" segment.

William on 2/25/2012

good

Rebecca Scott on 2/28/2012

Excellent video!

Rene on 2/28/2012

The referential integrity constraint is not understood well by many application developers. As BI Consultant I have seen a lot of issues related to this subject.

chris on 2/29/2012

I didn't know you can create foreign keys via database diagram. Learned something new today. Thanks...

D Richins on 3/8/2012

Gave me one way in which I did not know how to add a foreign key.

Kioumars Pournaghdi on 3/14/2012

Too fast

Raghu on 4/14/2012

Good

Ejaz on 8/6/2012

many thx... great job!

E85D6ECADE on 9/1/2012

This is a great service.

Costa on 9/28/2012

Loved it! Clear and simple to understand!