Question

In reference to answer 1 of the following question, the answer states that
it is better to have a table with an ID (primary key) field and a string field, rather than just a string field that is also the primary key.

In short, I need to store a table of unique strings (each string should appear only once in the table). I don’t know enough about DB implementation, so I would appreciate some education explanation about which method is best (in my case).

Thanks,

Answer 1

You don’t need an ID field if you make the string field as the primary key.

In regards to performance Integers will always outperform strings. But in your case it does not matter.

Note: Making the string field the primary key will ensure all values are unique.