Three types of tables

Transparent

Pool

Cluster

Contain a single table. Used to store master data

They are used to hold a large number of very small tables(stores customizing data or system data)

They are used to hold data from a few number of large tables.(stores system data)

It has a one-to-one relationship with a table in the database

It has a many-to-one relationship with a table in the database

It has a many-to-one relationship with table in the database

For each transparent table there is one associated table in the database

It is stored with other pooled tables in a single table called table pool in the database

Many cluster tables are stored in a single table in the database called a table cluster

The database table has the same name, same number of fields and the fields have the same names

The database table has different name, different number of fields and fields have different names

The database table has different name, different number of fields and fields have different names

There is only a single table

Table pools contain more tables than table clusters

Contains less tables than table pools

Single table can have one or more primary key

Primary key of each table does not begin with same fields or fields

Primary key of each table begins with same fields or fields

Secondary indexes can be created

Secondary indexes cannot be created

Secondary indexes cannot be created

They can be accessed using open and native SQL

They can be accessed using open SQL only

They can be accessed using open??SQL only

USE: They are used to hold master data e.g. Table vendors or table of customers. Example of transaction data is orders placed by customers

USE: They reduce the amount of database resources needed when many small tables have to be opened at the same time

USE: They would be used when the tables have primary key in common and data in these tables are all accesses simultaneously