surrogate key

[srivalli_b]

Hi,


For surrogate key creation my client asked us to use MD5 function.

Sample function use:
UPCASE(GETMD5(ACCTG_PROJ:CHAR(9):ACCTG_ACT:CHAR(9):BUS_UN_GL:CHAR(9):BUS_UN_GL_FROM:CHAR(9):BUS_UN_BD:CHAR(9):RESRC_SUB_CAT:CHAR(9):WRK_LOC_CD:CHAR(9):HM_LOC_CD:CHAR(9):DEPT_ID:CHAR(9):BULK_ALLOC_CD:CHAR(9):PROJ_TRANS_CD:CHAR(9):OVHD_ALLOC_CD:CHAR(9):TEAM_CD))

Could you please explaine what is MD5? How can I implement this.

[ray.wurlod]

I recommend a web search (Google, etc.) for MD5.

It's essentially a cryptographic hash function. It does not guarantee uniqueness, and therefore is a really poor choice for a surrogate key.

Resist stupid requirements!

[pandeesh]

Ask your client why MD5 algorithm and try to educate them .
Don't accept whatever client want you to do

[SURA]

In December 2008, a group of researchers used this technique to fake SSL certificate validity.,[7][8] and US-CERT now says that MD5 "should be considered cryptographically broken and unsuitable for further use." [9] and most U.S. government applications now require the SHA-2 family of hash functions. [10]