What is a Primary Key and Why is it Important in a Database Management System?

A primary key is a unique identifier for each record in a database table. It ensures that each row in a table is uniquely identified and helps in maintaining data integrity. In a database management system, a primary key is important because:

• Uniqueness: It prevents duplicate records in the table, ensuring data integrity and accuracy.
• Identification: It allows for easy and efficient retrieval of specific records using the primary key value.
• Indexing: A primary key is automatically indexed in most DBMS, which helps in faster retrieval of data.
• Referential Integrity: Primary keys are used to establish relationships between different tables, ensuring consistency in data across multiple tables.

Overall, a primary key is essential in a database management system to enforce data integrity, facilitate efficient data retrieval, and maintain relationships between tables.