Release 10.1A: OpenEdge Data Management:
SQL Development

> ## Maintaining data integrity

> Integrity constraints are application rules that the database enforces. You define integrity constraints on base tables to ensure data integrity. An integrity constraint can specify unique values for a column, validate values of a column, or provide referential integrity.

> Referential integrity ensures that a specific piece of data is consistent throughout the database. For instance, a customer’s name will be spelled the same way when it appears in tables for purchase orders, merchandise shipments, and accounts receivable.

> This section covers the following information:

> - Need for integrity constraints

> - Types of integrity constraints

> - Referential constraints

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