Each object must be able to somehow identify. If the story is about the table, you need to mention how it looks, how many drawers in it, where it stands. But how to identify objects in such an unusual category as information technology? This will be the article.
What is called an identifier?
What is an identifier? Why is it needed? An identifier is a unique property of an object, due to which it can be distinguished from many similar ones. They are conditionally divided into the following types:
- unique electrical signal (applies only to circuits inside the device);
- unique property of the object.
The data identifier provides information about where it should be stored. It also indicates which type can be stored (text, integer, or some other). Thanks to identifiers, a mechanism for saving data and their subsequent use is implemented.
ID Requirements
If we talk about an identifier that conveys a unique property of an object, then requirements can be put forward for it, such as using exclusively Latin letters or digital values. There may also be certain indications of its size.
When working with an electronic signal, the identifier should be used exclusively to activate one action. So, for example, if you want to make a radio-controlled aircraft, then there is only one thing to be responsible for turning the engine on / off (so that there are no cases that the engine itself started or, conversely, turned off at the wrong time).
The use of identifiers in the development of stand-alone programs
What is an identifier, if we talk about it in relation to work with a computer and application software on it? When developing programs, it should be envisaged that several people use them so that if they create their own unique settings, these parameters are loaded. Also, data identifiers allow you to determine which results of work and where to save them for later reference. So, the Windows identifier can determine where it is necessary to save the achievements made in Word or Excel.
Usually, all the fields where information is entered have a specific identifier that matches the same in the database. This is done so that in case of problems you can quickly find the problem point.
Identifiers are present even at the very core of the basics when working with programs. They exist for the memory cells of each computer. This applies to both permanent memory and operational memory. When accessing each cell, its identifier is first called, and then the data is overwritten.
What is an identifier in online services
Identifiers in online services are used to recognize different people and the need to transmit different data streams. Each user is assigned an individual number, to which special features are attached: save a certain amount of data, transmit information of a certain extension or size, speed of data exchange.
Identifiers for network use have any thing. They are available in databases and information exchange files, which regulate the transfer of all necessary. Each such indivisible piece of data uses its own identifier. It allows him to be found among the entire array of information. Now, after reading this article, you know what an identifier is, and if necessary, you can explain this to other people who do not understand this issue.