# Source: https://dbeaver.com/docs/dbeaver/Virtual-Keys/

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      * Virtual keys  [ Virtual keys  ](./) Table of contents 
        * Virtual key management 
          * Accessing the virtual key configuration window 
          * Creating a virtual unique key 
            * Error handling during data modification 
          * Creating a virtual foreign key 
          * Editing virtual keys 
        * Settings for missing keys 
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Table of contents

  * Virtual key management 
    * Accessing the virtual key configuration window 
    * Creating a virtual unique key 
      * Error handling during data modification 
    * Creating a virtual foreign key 
    * Editing virtual keys 
  * Settings for missing keys 

  1. [DBeaver](/docs/dbeaver)
  2. [Data Editor](/docs/dbeaver/Data-Editor)
  3. Virtual entities

# Virtual keys

The virtual key feature in DBeaver allows you to save changes to tables that
do not have a primary key or unique index. You can define a virtual key, which
is a set of columns that form a unique combination of values. This ensures
each row can be uniquely identified, allowing you to save changes to the
table.

Note

Virtual keys exist only in DBeaver, not in the database itself. You can define
these keys even if your database does not support them. **Tip** : All virtual
entities are stored in the `data-sources.json` file. For more information,
refer to the [Configuration Files](../Configuration-files-in-DBeaver/#other-
configuration-files) article.

## Virtual key management¶

Use virtual keys to handle data updates and relationships in tables that don't
have physical primary or foreign keys.

### Accessing the virtual key configuration window¶

You can access the settings for configuring virtual keys through two different
methods:

  1. **[Properties Editor](../Properties-Editor/)** :

     1. Navigate to the **Properties Editor**.
     2. Select the **Virtual** tab from the **Tabbed editors**.
     3. In the **Virtual Foreign/Unique Keys** section, click **Add**
     4. Configure the options

![](../images/ug/virtual-entities/virtual-entities-in-properties-editor.png)

  2. **[Data Editor](../Data-Editor/)** :

     1. Right-click inside the **Data Editor**.
     2. Select **Logical structure - > Define virtual unique key/Add virtual foreign key**
     3. Configure the options

![](../images/ug/virtual-entities/virtual-entities-in-data-editor.png)

Note

When creating a connection in the [Connection Details](../Create-
Connection/#connection-details), ensure the checkbox for **Show virtual model
Editor** is selected to access virtual key features.

### Creating a virtual unique key¶

Inserting new rows into a table that do not have a primary key or unique index
can generally be completed without issues, but updating existing data can be
tricky. A virtual primary key helps you update data by acting as a unique
identifier for rows in tables without a physical primary key.

  1. Navigate to the **Virtual Unique Key** settings.
  2. Configure the options:

![](../images/ug/virtual-entities/creating-a-virtual-unique-key.png)

Field/Checkbox | Description  
---|---  
**Table** | Automatically filled with the name of the table being modified.  
**Name** | Enter a name for the virtual key.  
**Use All Columns** | Check this to include all columns from the table in the virtual unique key.  
**Columns List** | Displays columns available for selection.  
**Select All** | Button to quickly select all columns in the **Columns List**.  
  
Important

Be careful with the **Use All Columns** option. It may cause changes in
multiple rows if the columns do not uniquely identify each row.

  3. Click **OK** to save the virtual key.

#### Error handling during data modification¶

If you begin modifying data in a table that lacks a primary or unique key,
DBeaver will alert you with the following error message:

![](../images/ug/virtual-entities/no-unique-key-error-message.png)

You can handle the error in one of two ways:

  * **Use All Columns** : Selecting this option immediately treats all columns as a virtual key.

Important

Use this option carefully, as it may cause changes in multiple rows if the
columns do not uniquely identify each row.

  * **Custom Unique Key** : Alternatively, you can create a more specific virtual unique key by choosing **Custom Unique Key**. For more information on creating a virtual unique key, refer to the Creating a virtual unique key section.

### Creating a virtual foreign key¶

Virtual foreign keys are useful in databases where physical foreign key
constraints are not present. They allow you to define and enforce
relationships between tables virtually, ensuring data integrity.

  1. Navigate to the **Virtual Foreign Key** settings.
  2. Click **Add** to start defining a new foreign key.
  3. Define the foreign key details:

![](../images/ug/virtual-entities/creating-a-virtual-foreign-key.png)

Field/Option | Description  
---|---  
**Table** | Automatically displays the name of the current table.  
**Reference table container** | Select the schema of the reference table.  
**Reference Table** | Choose a table to reference. Selecting a table updates the **Unique key** and **Columns** fields.  
**Unique key** | Displays keys available in the reference table. Select one that the foreign key will link to.  
**Columns** | Customize which columns in your table map to columns in the reference table. Options in this dropdown are based on the selected unique key. Select `<new>` to create a new mapping or choose existing columns to modify their mapping.  
  4. Click **OK** to create the foreign key.

Tip

You can also create virtual foreign keys in the [Diagrams](../ER-Diagrams/) by
dragging and dropping columns. This shows the foreign key connections between
tables visually, making it easier to see how your database is structured.

### Editing virtual keys¶

To modify or delete existing virtual keys, follow these steps:

  1. Access the Configuration Window as detailed in the section Accessing the virtual key configuration window.
  2. Choose the virtual key you wish to modify.
     * To make changes, select **Edit** and adjust as needed.
     * To delete, choose **Remove**.

Note

Virtual foreign keys cannot be edited once created; they can only be removed
if changes are needed.

## Settings for missing keys¶

To configure how DBeaver handles tables without unique keys, navigate to
**Window - > Preferences -> Editors -> Data Editor**. Here are the options:

Option | Description  
---|---  
**Use all table columns as a key upon saving** | Utilizes all columns as a unique key.  
**Disable data editing** | Prevents editing on tables without a unique key.  
  
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