What is the primary difference between a keyed and a non-keyed data page?

The primary difference between keyed and non-keyed data pages lies in the retrieval process. Keyed data pages require a specific key to locate and fetch the relevant data. This mechanism allows for precise access to specific data instances within the page based on the key provided. For instance, when you need to retrieve particular customer information from a data page structured by unique identifiers, a key is essential to ensure that the correct set of data is returned.

In contrast, non-keyed data pages do not use keys for data retrieval; they aim to provide a broader dataset, making them suitable for scenarios where you might be dealing with a complete dataset rather than needing to access individual items based on a unique identifier. Thus, the reliance on keys in keyed data pages distinguishes them by enabling targeted and efficient data retrieval based on predefined criteria.