# Minimal Cover

An equivalent, simplified set of functional dependencies with no unnecessary parts.

## What is **Minimal Cover** in a relational database?

**Minimal Cover** — An equivalent, simplified set of functional dependencies with no unnecessary parts.

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

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

Updated: September 27, 2026

Source: https://www.ask-codey.com/glossary/minimal-cover