What is meant by values are atomic ?

Hi Suma,

Basic definition of Atomic: "One that cannot be divided."

Same goes for database also. Atomic values in relational database are values that cannot be further divided contextually otherwise it will loose its meaning.

It simply means to relate the smallest possible value for a column. It's all about how small a element you want it to be. Let's take an example, suppose you have a date column in a certain table in any DBMS. You get the following output when you query for the same:

"2013-12-24", so is it atomic? No, It's not. It still contains a Date, Month and Year and we can divide it further but would you want to do that? Probably no. Because this format or form of value satisfies your need.

So, the smallest value that satisfies the constraints of a column is an atomic value.

Hope you understand what an atomic value is in DBMS.

Hope this helps:)
Cheers!!