Validate Data in MySQL 1

[OneArk]

Hello,
I am new to (MySQL 5.5/Apache/PHPMyadmin) I am also using Toad when I work on the localhost (just because I have it).

I would like to get direction of what to search for, or research. In other words I am unable to find the right terminology for my search, which so far is not giving me any success.

Goal: Create workstations inventory table that would include many pieces of information about client workstations/servers. Table name is inventory.systemlist

So far: I created a bunch of other tables such as operating systems, applications,..etc for validation "If there is a better way to validate the data, I am open to suggestions".

Problem: How to force the selection of the OS record to be from one of OSs existing in the operating systems table. something like the equivalent of lookup display control/row source in MS access.

 

[tarn]

Take a look at the FAQ's and table joins (one link is broken but this one works and will give you an idea on how best to build your data

http://www.devx.com/dbzone/Article/17403/1954?pf=true

)

Laurie.

 

[r937]

that devx article just discusses joins, with no information about how to set up foreign keys, which is what oneark is looking for

relational integrity is what foreign keys enforce

for instance, you will not be allowed to enter a row in the inventory.systemlist table unless this row has a value for the operating system that is one of the values in the operating systems table

try this article (old, but still okay) --
Relational Integrity

or do a web search with "using foreign keys for relational integrity"

r937.com | rudy.ca
Buy my new book Simply SQL from Amazon

 

[OneArk]

Thanks Tarn and R937 for the direction, I will research and if there is a problem I will post again. I appreciate your advice.

 

[majlumbo]

Another term that this goes by is:

Referential Integrity

 

[OneArk]

God bless you all, works like a charm.
Happy New Year.