Domänbegränsningar

Domänbegränsningar, also known as domain constraints, are rules that define the acceptable values for attributes within a database or data model. These limitations ensure data integrity and consistency by specifying the type, format, range, or set of allowed entries for a particular data field. For example, a domain constraint for an "age" attribute might specify that only positive integers between 1 and 120 are permissible. Similarly, a "gender" attribute might be restricted to only accepting "Male", "Female", or "Other".

The purpose of domain constraints is to prevent invalid or nonsensical data from being entered into the system. This proactive approach to data quality is crucial for accurate analysis, reliable reporting, and the overall functionality of any application that relies on structured data. By enforcing these rules at the data definition level, systems can automatically reject erroneous entries, saving time and resources that would otherwise be spent on manual data cleaning and correction.

Common types of domain constraints include data type constraints (e.g., integer, string, date), range constraints (e.g., minimum and maximum values), format constraints (e.g., specific patterns for phone numbers or email addresses), and set constraints (e.g., a predefined list of allowed values). Implementing and maintaining effective domain constraints is a fundamental aspect of robust database design and management.