[Solved] Consider a table employees(emp_id, name, department_id) where... What will be the result of deleting a department that has employees assigned if the foreign key is defined with ON DELETE CASCADE? | SQL

SQL - Database Design and Normalization

Consider a table employees(emp_id, name, department_id) where department_id is a foreign key. What will be the result of deleting a department that has employees assigned if the foreign key is defined with ON DELETE CASCADE?

AAll employees in that department will be deleted automatically

BThe delete will fail due to foreign key constraint

CThe department will be deleted but employees remain with invalid department_id

DThe department will be deleted and employees' department_id set to NULL

Step-by-Step Solution

Solution:

Step 1: Understand ON DELETE CASCADE behavior
This option deletes dependent rows automatically when referenced row is deleted.
Step 2: Apply to employees and department
Deleting a department cascades delete to employees with that department_id.
Final Answer:
All employees in that department will be deleted automatically -> Option A
Quick Check:
ON DELETE CASCADE deletes dependent rows [OK]

Quick Trick: ON DELETE CASCADE removes related rows automatically [OK]

Common Mistakes:

Assuming delete will fail with cascade
Thinking employees keep invalid foreign keys
Believing foreign keys set to NULL without ON DELETE SET NULL

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More SQL Quizzes

What will be the result of deleting a department that has employees assigned if the foreign key is defined with ON DELETE CASCADE?

Step 1: Understand ON DELETE CASCADE behavior

Step 2: Apply to employees and department

Final Answer:

Quick Check:

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