What characterizes a composite primary key in Access?

A composite primary key is defined by its ability to combine multiple fields in a database to ensure that each record is uniquely identified. This is particularly useful when no single field can uniquely distinguish entries within a table. By using a combination of fields, the composite primary key establishes a unique identifier for each record, ensuring data integrity and preventing duplication.

In many database design scenarios, certain attributes may not hold unique values when considered individually. Therefore, integrating two or more fields allows for a more robust identification scheme that accurately reflects the relationships within the data.

Understanding this concept is crucial in database management, as it directly influences how relationships between tables are structured and maintained, ultimately impacting data retrieval and manipulation processes.