# Determinant

The attribute set on the left side of a functional dependency.

## What is **Determinant** in a relational database?

**Determinant** — The attribute set on the left side of a functional dependency.

```sql
SELECT customer_id, COUNT(*) AS order_count
FROM purchase_order
GROUP BY customer_id;
```

Level: Journeyman · [More Database terms at this level](https://www.ask-codey.com/glossary/subjects/database/journeyman)

Updated: September 27, 2026

Source: https://www.ask-codey.com/glossary/determinant