Final answer:
Check constraints are the type of constraints assigned to limit the type of data that can enter a database table, ensuring data accuracy and reliability. They are different from Primary Key, Foreign Key, and Unique constraints, each of which serves a specific purpose in a database.
Step-by-step explanation:
When ensuring the accuracy and reliability of data in a database, the constraints assigned to limit the type of data that can go into a table are Check constraints. These are rules applied to a column or columns in a database table that are enforced whenever insert or update operations are performed on the table. They validate the data based on a Boolean expression and prevent invalid data from being entered. For example, a Check constraint could enforce that ages entered in a 'users' table must be greater than 0.
It is crucial to distinguish between different types of constraints. A Primary Key constraint enforces uniqueness and cannot contain NULL values, crucial for identifying each record in a table uniquely. Foreign Key constraints ensure the referential integrity between two tables. Unique constraints enforce the uniqueness of the data within a column or a set of columns, apart from the primary key. Each type of constraint serves a specific purpose in maintaining the database's integrity and accuracy.
Together, criteria and constraints are essential in database management as they establish the rules and conditions that the data must meet to ensure high quality and integrity in database design. They play a vital role in the systematic evaluation and management of the information stored within a database system.