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In a database with a foreign key constraint defined using "ON DELETE CASCADE," what happens when a row in the parent (referenced) table is deleted?

Q: Answer-In a database with a foreign key constraint defined using 'ON DELETE CASCADE,' what happens when a r...

The ON DELETE CASCADE clause instructs the database to automatically delete any child table rows that reference a parent row whenever that parent row is deleted, keeping the data consistent and preventing orphaned foreign key references. This differs from ON DELETE SET NULL which nullifies the foreign key in child rows instead of deleting them and the default RESTRICTNO ACTION behavior which blocks the delete if referencing child rows exist.

A All matching child table rows that reference that parent row are automatically deleted as well

B The delete operation is blocked entirely, and an error is raised to prevent orphaned records

C The foreign key values in matching child rows are automatically set to NULL, while the child rows themselves remain

D The parent row deletion is queued and executed only after all child rows are manually removed by the user

E Only the parent row is deleted; the child rows retain their original values, becoming orphaned silently

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In a database with a foreign key constraint defined using "ON DELETE CASCADE," what happens when a row in the parent (referenced) table is deleted?

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