What is the purpose of integrity constraints in databases?

Integrity constraints are rules applied to ensure the accuracy and consistency of data within a database. These constraints play a critical role in maintaining the quality of the data by preventing incorrect or undefined data entries. By implementing various types of constraints, such as primary keys, foreign keys, and unique constraints, the database enforces specific conditions that data must meet before it can be entered into the system.

For instance, if a field is designated as having a unique constraint, any attempt to insert a duplicate value would be rejected, thereby ensuring that each entry remains distinct. Similarly, foreign key constraints ensure that relationships between tables are consistent, preventing orphaned records and ensuring that referenced data exists. This capability helps maintain data integrity, ensuring that the database reflects reliable and valid information.

Other options, while relevant to database functionality, do not pertain directly to the role of integrity constraints. Enhancing data reporting capabilities and improving data visualization are benefits of a well-structured database but not objectives of integrity constraints. Managing user access rights relates more to security and permissions rather than the enforcement of data quality.