In database terminology, what describes the unique identifier of a record in a table?

The unique identifier of a record in a table is known as the primary key. The primary key serves as a vital component in relational database design because it establishes a unique identity for each record, ensuring that no two records in a table can have the same primary key value. This uniqueness is essential for accurately retrieving, updating, and managing data.

Moreover, a primary key can consist of a single attribute or a combination of attributes, which helps maintain the integrity of the data. When you query a database, using the primary key allows for efficient data access and retrieval, as it significantly speeds up the search process since the database can quickly locate the record associated with that key.

In contrast, terms like partial functional dependency, null, and intermediate entity describe different concepts that are unrelated to the function of a primary key. Partial functional dependency pertains to the relationship between attributes within a database, null signifies the absence of a value, and intermediate entities are used in the context of entity-relationship modeling. These concepts, while important within database theory, do not function as identifiers for records in a table.