Frequently Asked Questions on Derived Attribute

Which Symbol is used to denote the derived attributes?

The dashed ellipse shape is used to denote the derived attribute.

Where are the derived attributes stored?

Derived attributes are not stored physically. They are calculated on the go i.e. whenever required.

What is the difference between a stored attribute and a derived attribute?

Stored attributes are stored physically in databases but derived attributes are not stored in the attribute.

Which are different types of attributes?

There are various attributes such as simple attributes, Composite attributes, Single-valued attributes, Multi-valued attributes, key attributes, Stored attributes, and Complex attributes.

Are values of the derived attribute fixed?

No values of the derived are not fixed. Derived attributes depend on the other attributes. If the attribute’s value changes, then the attributes depending upon them also change. So derived attributes are not fixed, they depend on the other attributes and their values.

An entity is nothing but a piece of data that can be uniquely identified in the database. For example, in a university database, a student is an entity. The teacher is also an entity as it can be uniquely identified.