F

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fact table

the central table in a star schema. The fact table contains the individual facts that are being stored in the database as well as the keys that connect each particular fact to the appropriate value in each dimension.

foreign key

one or more columns that are associated with a primary key or unique key in another table. A table can have one or more foreign keys. A foreign key is dependent upon its associated primary or unique key. In other words, a foreign key cannot exist without that primary or unique key.

foundation repository

in the SAS Open Metadata Architecture, a metadata repository that is used to specify metadata for global resources that can be shared by other repositories. For example, a foundation repository is used to store metadata that defines users and groups on the metadata server. Only one foundation repository should be defined on a metadata server.

See also custom repository.

See also project repository.

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