Oracle Primary key Update

[Guest_imported]

Consider a table created in Oracle- Dept_tbl with dept_code as the primary key. Now, a row is inserted into the table with dept_code = 001.

Can the primary key be updated with some other non-existent value in the table? Does Oracle provide for this?

 

[Hehenka]

Primary key cannot be updated. It can only be inserted. It is managed by Oracle itself.

Helena

 

[BJCooperIT]

I have double-checked this and have to disagree. You *can* update a primary key if the new value does not exist in the table. It is not recommended as good database design however if it is a high maintenance field.

 

[Hehenka]

You are right, there must be good database design for avoiding updating of primary key.

 

[ajhull]

Of course a primary key can be updated. The only requirement is that the new value be unique and that it falls within the contraints assigned. However, I do agree that it is best to avoid an updating on a primary key.