What type of key do all primary key columns in Caboodle represent?

All primary key columns in the Caboodle data model represent surrogate keys. Surrogate keys are unique identifiers that are generated by the system rather than derived from the data itself. They ensure that each record can be uniquely identified without relying on significant business data attributes, which may lead to inconsistencies or changes over time.

This approach is advantageous for several reasons: it simplifies the design of the database by providing a consistent method of identifying rows, it eliminates the complexities associated with natural keys that may be subject to changes, and it improves performance in indexing and querying. Since surrogate keys are typically numeric values, they are also generally more efficient than natural keys, which may comprise larger or multiple columns.

In contrast, other types of keys like natural keys are derived from the actual data and can be subject to modifications if the business logic changes, potentially leading to issues with data integrity. Composite keys, which consist of more than one attribute, provide a different way of uniquely identifying records but can complicate joins and relationships in the data model. Lastly, foreign keys serve to establish relationships between tables rather than uniquely identify records within the table itself. Thus, the use of surrogate keys as primary keys in Caboodle reflects a design choice focused on stability and efficiency in data management.