For a new inventory table, which DDL command should a DBA use to ensure proper linking with existing tables?

• A. CREATE TABLE and ALTER TABLE
• B. CREATE TABLE and CREATE FOREIGN KEY
• C. ALTER TABLE and ADD CONSTRAINT
• D. DROP TABLE and CREATE

Answer: (B)

Using the CREATE TABLE and CREATE FOREIGN KEY commands is essential for ensuring proper linking with existing tables when setting up a new inventory table. When you create a new table in a relational database, the CREATE TABLE command is responsible for defining the structure of that table, including its columns and data types.

However, merely creating the table does not establish relationships with other tables in the database. To link your new inventory table to existing tables, you need to establish foreign key constraints, which maintain referential integrity between the new table and the related tables. This is where the CREATE FOREIGN KEY command comes into play. By defining a foreign key, you enforce rules about how data is related across tables, ensuring that every value in the foreign key column of the inventory table corresponds to an existing value in the primary key of the table it is linked to.

This approach allows for consistent and reliable data relationships, making it clear how tables are interconnected within the database schema. It is crucial for maintaining data integrity and preventing orphaned records, which can occur if the relationships are not properly defined.

Other choices do not provide the appropriate combination of commands for linking new tables with existing ones in this context. For instance, using ALTER TABLE and ADD CONSTRAINT can modify an existing table’s structure