I have always used integers or auto numbers as primary and foreign keys. Currently for a school project using oracle and sql plus, I have to code a db the instructions are to make all the pk and fk strings, though it was never explained why, can anyone explain to me why this would be better? is it an oracle thing?

I have always used integers or auto numbers as primary and foreign keys. Currently for a school project using oracle and sql plus, I have to code a db the instructions are to make all the pk and fk strings, though it was never explained why, ...
[/QUOTE]

The best person to ask woudl be the person giving you the project.

It could be to see if you follow instructions.



... can anyone explain to me why this would be better? is it an oracle thing?

That is hard to answer without a lot more details.

if its just a project, do what they ask.

they are just testing some basic skills, not producing a production quality database.