What is the purpose of the getGeneratedKeys() method in JDBC?

a) To retrieve the primary keys of all tables

b) To retrieve the auto-generated keys after an INSERT operation

c) To retrieve foreign keys of a table

d) To retrieve all keys in the database

Answer:

b) To retrieve the auto-generated keys after an INSERT operation

Explanation:

The getGeneratedKeys() method in JDBC is used to retrieve the auto-generated keys, such as primary keys, after executing an INSERT operation. When a new record is inserted into a database, some databases automatically generate a unique key, like a primary key or an ID. The getGeneratedKeys() method provides a way to access these keys after the INSERT operation is completed.

This method is particularly useful when working with databases that use auto-incrementing columns or sequences to generate unique identifiers. By retrieving the generated keys, developers can use them for further operations, such as inserting related records into other tables or returning the generated key to the client.

Understanding how to use getGeneratedKeys() is essential for managing database operations that involve automatically generated keys. It provides a convenient way to access and work with these keys, making it easier to maintain the integrity and relationships within the database.