A functional dependency is a relationship between two attributes or columns in a database table, in which the value of one attribute determines the value of the other attribute. A functional dependency is a constraint that is used to enforce the integrity and the consistency of the data in a database, and it is an essential concept in database design and modeling.
A functional dependency diagram is a graphical representation of the functional dependencies in a database table or a schema. A functional dependency diagram is used to represent and visualize the functional dependencies in a clear and concise way, and to understand and analyze the relationships and the constraints between the attributes or columns in a table.
There are several types of functional dependencies in a database, which are classified based on the characteristics and the properties of the attributes or columns involved in the dependency. Some of the main types of functional dependencies in a database are:
- Full functional dependency: A full functional dependency is a functional dependency in which the value of one attribute determines the value of the other attribute, and the value of the other attribute is unique for each value of the one attribute. A full functional dependency is a one-to-one relationship between the attributes, and it represents a strong and strict constraint on the data.
- Partial functional dependency: A partial functional dependency is a functional dependency in which the value of one attribute determines the value of the other attribute, but the value of the other attribute is not unique for each value of the one attribute. A partial functional dependency is a one-to-many relationship between the attributes, and it represents a weaker and less strict constraint on the data.
- Transitive functional dependency: A transitive functional dependency is a functional dependency in which the value of one attribute determines the value of the other attribute, through the value of a third attribute. A transitive functional dependency is a chain or a sequence of dependencies between the attributes, and it represents a weaker and less strict constraint on the data.
- Multivalued dependency: A multivalued dependency is a functional dependency in which the value of one attribute determines the value of the other attribute, and the value of the other attribute can be a set or a multi-valued attribute. A multivalued dependency is a many-to-many relationship between the attributes, and it represents a weaker and less strict constraint on the data.
Functional dependencies are an essential concept in database design and modeling, and they are used to enforce the integrity and the consistency of the data in a database.