In Access, what is the significance of a unique identifier?

A unique identifier in Access is critical because it ensures the integrity of records within a table by providing a way to distinguish each record from all others. This unique value, often referred to as a primary key, allows users to accurately reference, retrieve, and manipulate data without confusion. When records have a unique identifier, it prevents duplicates and maintains the accuracy of relationships between tables in a relational database. This is particularly important for maintaining data consistency and reliability, as it aids in tracking changes, linking related records, and enforcing referential integrity constraints. The use of unique identifiers is foundational to efficient database design and management, enabling robust data handling and retrieval processes that enhance overall data quality.