Database trigger

Database trigger

A database trigger is a procedural code that is automatically executed in response to certain events on a particular table or view in a database. Triggers are used to maintain the integrity of the information on the database, enforce business rules, and automate system tasks.

Types of Triggers

Database triggers can be classified into several types based on the event that initiates them:

• INSERT trigger: Activated when a new row is inserted into a table.
• UPDATE trigger: Activated when an existing row is modified.
• DELETE trigger: Activated when a row is deleted from a table.

Triggers can also be categorized based on their timing:

• BEFORE trigger: Executed before the triggering event.
• AFTER trigger: Executed after the triggering event.
• INSTEAD OF trigger: Used on views to perform the trigger action instead of the triggering event.

Components of a Trigger

A database trigger typically consists of the following components:

• Triggering event: The event that causes the trigger to fire (e.g., INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE).
• Triggering table or view: The table or view on which the trigger is defined.
• Triggering condition: An optional condition that must be met for the trigger to execute.
• Trigger action: The procedural code that is executed when the trigger fires.

Uses of Triggers

Triggers are used for various purposes, including:

• Enforcing referential integrity: Ensuring that relationships between tables remain consistent.
• Auditing changes: Keeping track of changes made to data in the database.
• Synchronizing tables: Automatically updating related tables when changes occur.
• Enforcing business rules: Ensuring that data modifications adhere to specific business rules.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

• Automation of repetitive tasks.
• Enforcement of complex business rules.
• Improved data integrity and consistency.

Disadvantages

• Can introduce complexity and make debugging difficult.
• May impact performance if not designed properly.
• Can lead to unintended consequences if not carefully managed.

Related Pages

• Stored procedure
• Database management system
• Referential integrity
• View (SQL)
• Transaction (database)

See Also

• Event-driven programming
• Database normalization
• Data integrity