Use Hash Keys
Determines if the Data Vault uses hash keys. Alternatively, Natural Keys can be used by disabling this setting.
When enabled (the default), Data Vault key columns (Hub, Link and Satellite keys) use the hash data type derived from the Hash Algorithm and Hash Binary settings, key values are computed by hashing the Integration Key, and zero-key/default-key values are generated in the matching hash format. When disabled, the Integration Key columns themselves act as the keys, and default key values are derived from the primary key's data type instead.
When to Change This Setting
Keep the default Y for a standard hash-keyed Data Vault: keys are deterministic, uniform in size, and computable in parallel across independent loads. Disable it to build a natural-keyed Data Vault where the (concatenated) Integration Key is carried directly as the join key: this keeps keys human-readable and avoids hash computation, at the cost of wider keys when source keys are long.
Related Settings
| Setting | Interaction |
|---|---|
| Hash Algorithm | Determines the algorithm, and therefore the length, of the generated hash keys |
| Hash Binary | Determines whether hash keys are stored as BINARY or CHAR |
| Zero Key Expression | The default/zero key value is generated in hash format only when hash keys are enabled |
| Add Row Hash Key Index | The row hash key index on staging tables is only added when hash keys are enabled |
Notes
- This setting is part of the Data Vault settings category.
- The default value for this setting is
Y.