Unique Constraint, Primary Key and Unique Index

Unique Constraint, Primary Key and Unique Index

1.       Unique Constraint

Ensure no duplicate value exists in the columns for which unique constraint has been defined.

Regardless of when a unique constraint is defined, when it is created the DB2 Database Manager looks to see if an index for the columns the unique constraint refers to already exists. If so, that index is marked as being unique and system-required. If not, an appropriate index is created and marked as being unique and system-required. This index is then used to enforce uniqueness whenever new records are added to the column(s) the unique constraint was defined for.

2.       Primary Key

Have Unique, NOT NULL and referential constraints.

3.       Unique Index

Enforce uniqueness like Unique Constraint, but a Unique Index allows NULL columns and generally cannot be used in a referential constraint.