the ID field - help with db design

[j0se]

If I had a table called "Newspapers" with the following data:

PK Newspaper_title
Publication
Country

I would assign Newspaper_title as the Primary Key, since it is unique. However, looking at some northwind examples, I noticed that the table would look more like this:

PK Newspaper_ID
Newspaper_title
Publication
Country

is there a reason why ID fields should be numerical (i.e faster indexing)? or is it just good practice?

i look forward to an answer so I can get on with my design


cheers

 

[ColinEssex]

One of the reasons for using an AutoNumber as an ID is that firstly it is unique and secondly, it is possible for your newspaper title to change, if you use the title in links with other tables this can be difficult to change.

Col

 

[j0se]

cheers

that's good enough for me!

cheers for that

PS i'll be back when i break it