surrogatnøkkel

**Surrogatnøkkel** is a term used in Norwegian to describe a secondary key or alternative access method in computer systems, databases, or software applications. It often refers to a backup or alternative identifier that allows users or systems to locate data or resources without relying on the primary key. Surrogatnøkkel is particularly relevant in database management systems, where it serves as a unique identifier for records that may not have a natural key.

In relational databases, a surrogate key is an artificial identifier assigned to each record to ensure uniqueness and maintain data integrity. Unlike natural keys (such as customer IDs or product codes), surrogate keys are often generated programmatically, such as using auto-incrementing sequences or UUIDs. This approach helps avoid issues like data normalization conflicts or inconsistencies that can arise with natural keys.

Surrogatnøkkel can also be applied in other contexts, such as file systems, where it might represent a secondary filename or path that points to the same resource. In software development, it can refer to alternative authentication methods or fallback mechanisms for accessing services. The concept emphasizes reliability, scalability, and flexibility in system design.