Different Types of Attributes in DBMS

Any real-world object with self-existence is considered an entity in the computer world. Like a car, any person, any book, painting, news, building anything which is available in this world can be considered as an entity.

Characteristics or specifications of any entity are known as attributes of that entity. Attributes are physical or virtual properties of an entity.

There are mainly 8 types of attributes, let’s discuss them one by one in detail.

Types of Attributes in DBMS

Different Types of Attributes in DBMS

1. Composite Attributes

Those attributes which may have more than one section like name can be sub-divided in First, Middle, last name. Composite attributes can be filled in sub-sections but always show as a single attribute. Like you can enter your name in three sections but the display will be combined. These brackets “()” are used to represent composite attributes.

2. Simple Attributes

Those attributes which cannot be divided further like the age of any person.

3. Single-Valued Attributes

Those attributes whose values always remain the same like the name of any person.

4. Multi-Valued Attributes

Those attributes whose values have more than one entry like a person’s name is single valued but his/her number of degrees can be more then one. Like Under graduation and post-graduation. These brackets “{}” are used to represent multivalued attributes.

5. Derived Attributes

Those attributes whose value can be derived from other attributes like from date of birth we can derive age of a person.

6. Stored Attributes

Those attributes whose value remains constant are known as stored attributes. Derived attributes are derived from stored attributes.

7. Complex Attributes

It is a combination of the Multivalued and Composite attributes. These kinds of attributes have many sub-sections in their values. Like Degree of any person can be dived in graduation and Masters. These degrees are also subdivided into further details like name of degree, institute, year of passing, etc.

8. Key Attributes

Those attributes whose value is unique for that entity. Like registration number of any student or chassis number of any vehicle etc. These types of key attributes are used to create a different kinds of keys in relational data models.

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