Triggers
Triggers are database objects that automatically execute a specified set of actions in response to certain events, such as INSERT, UPDATE, or DELETE operations on a table. They are used to enforce business rules, maintain data integrity, audit changes, or automate complex workflows without requiring manual intervention from applications. Triggers are typically defined at the database level and run as part of the transaction that triggers them.
Developers should learn and use triggers when they need to ensure data consistency, automate logging or auditing of database changes, or implement complex business logic directly in the database. Common use cases include automatically updating timestamps, validating data before it's committed, cascading changes across related tables, or sending notifications based on data modifications. Triggers are particularly useful in scenarios where multiple applications access the same database and centralized logic is required to prevent data anomalies.