In a database, what is the difference betwen a key and an index?

Question

For example, in SQLServer, if I have an index with \'unique\' set on it, how is that different from a key?

How do I know when I want to use a Key vs. an Indexed field?

Answer 1

An field which has unique values is, essentially, a key. However, a key is used to uniquely identify a row in a table, while an index is used to sort, or group, the rows in the table. A key should not change once it has been initially set, as it might be referenced to elsewhere in your database. An indexed field, however, can change freely.