Composite Primary Keys

  • I have a table with the primary key on two columns (CLIENT_ID and APPOINTMENT_NUMBER).

    Most of the queries against the table will be only involve CLIENT_ID in the WHERE clause. APPOINTMENT_NUMBER has only been used in the PK to identify the record as unique.

    I'm not clear on how composite PKs work, so I was wondering would there be any performance benefit for SELECT queries if I added an additonal index to just the CLIENT_ID?

    Or will the composite PK already have it covered?

  • None whatsoever, providing ClientID is the leading column in the index.

    http://sqlinthewild.co.za/index.php/2009/01/19/index-columns-selectivity-and-equality-predicates/

    Gail Shaw
    Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server, MVP, M.Sc (Comp Sci)
    SQL In The Wild: Discussions on DB performance with occasional diversions into recoverability

    We walk in the dark places no others will enter
    We stand on the bridge and no one may pass

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