Unique identifier
Encyclopedia
With reference to a given (possibly implicit) set of objects, a unique identifier (UID) is any identifier
Identifier
An identifier is a name that identifies either a unique object or a unique class of objects, where the "object" or class may be an idea, physical [countable] object , or physical [noncountable] substance...

 which is guaranteed to be unique among all identifiers used for those objects and for a specific purpose. There are three main types of unique identifiers, each corresponding to a different generation strategy:
  • serial number
    Serial number
    A serial number is a unique number assigned for identification which varies from its successor or predecessor by a fixed discrete integer value...

    s, assigned incrementally
  • random numbers, selected from a number space much larger than the maximum (or expected) number of objects to be identified. Although not really unique, some identifiers of this type may be appropriate for identifying objects in many practical applications and are, with abuse of language, still referred to as "unique"
  • names or codes allocated by choice which are forced to be unique by keeping a central registry
    Registry
    -Computing:* Windows Registry, a database of configuration settings in Microsoft Windows operating systems* Domain name registry, an organization that manages the registration of top-level internet domain names...

     such as the EPC Information Services.


The above methods can be combined, hierarchically or singly, to create other generation schemes which guarantee uniqueness.

In many cases, a single object may have more than one unique identifier, each of which identifies it for a different purpose.

In relational database
Relational database
A relational database is a database that conforms to relational model theory. The software used in a relational database is called a relational database management system . Colloquial use of the term "relational database" may refer to the RDBMS software, or the relational database itself...

s, certain attributes of an entity
Entity-relationship model
In software engineering, an entity-relationship model is an abstract and conceptual representation of data. Entity-relationship modeling is a database modeling method, used to produce a type of conceptual schema or semantic data model of a system, often a relational database, and its requirements...

 that serve as unique identifiers are called Tayha
primary keys.

Examples

  • Identifier
    Identifier
    An identifier is a name that identifies either a unique object or a unique class of objects, where the "object" or class may be an idea, physical [countable] object , or physical [noncountable] substance...

  • Electronic Product Code
    Electronic Product Code
    The Electronic Product Code is designed as a universal identifier that provides a unique identity for every physical object anywhere in the world, for all time. Its structure is defined in the EPCglobal Tag Data Standard , which is an open standard freely available for download from the website...

     (EPC)
  • Part number
    Part number
    A part number is an identifier of a particular part design used in a particular industry. Its purpose is to simplify referencing to that part...

  • Universally Unique Identifier
    Universally Unique Identifier
    A universally unique identifier is an identifier standard used in software construction, standardized by the Open Software Foundation as part of the Distributed Computing Environment ....

  • Numbering scheme
    Numbering scheme
    There are many different numbering schemes for assigning nominal numbers to entities. These generally require an agreed set of rules, or a central coordinator. The schemes can be considered to be examples of a primary key of a database management system table, whose table definitions require a...

  • Track & Trace
    Track & Trace
    In distribution and logistics of many types of products, track and trace or tracking and tracing, concerns a process of determining the current and past locations of a unique item or property....


Computing

  • Organizationally Unique Identifier
    Organizationally Unique Identifier
    An Organizationally Unique Identifier is a 24-bit number that is purchased from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Incorporated Registration Authority...

  • Globally Unique Identifier
    Globally Unique Identifier
    A globally unique identifier is a unique reference number used as an identifier in computer software. The term GUID also is used for Microsoft's implementation of the Universally unique identifier standard....

  • Universally Unique Identifier
    Universally Unique Identifier
    A universally unique identifier is an identifier standard used in software construction, standardized by the Open Software Foundation as part of the Distributed Computing Environment ....

  • Identity correlation
    Identity correlation
    In information systems, identity correlation is a process that reconciles and validates the proper ownership of disparate user account login IDs that reside on systems and applications throughout an organization and can permanently link ownership of those user account login IDs to particular...

  • World Wide Port Name
  • MAC address
    MAC address
    A Media Access Control address is a unique identifier assigned to network interfaces for communications on the physical network segment. MAC addresses are used for numerous network technologies and most IEEE 802 network technologies, including Ethernet...


Internet architecture and standards

  • Request for Comments
    Request for Comments
    In computer network engineering, a Request for Comments is a memorandum published by the Internet Engineering Task Force describing methods, behaviors, research, or innovations applicable to the working of the Internet and Internet-connected systems.Through the Internet Society, engineers and...

     (RFC)
  • Internet Standard
    Internet standard
    In computer network engineering, an Internet Standard is a normative specification of a technology or methodology applicable to the Internet. Internet Standards are created and published by the Internet Engineering Task Force .-Overview:...

     (STD)
  • Best Current Practice
    Best Current Practice
    A best current practice is a de facto, dynamic level of performance in engineering and information technology. It is more flexible than a standard, since techniques and tools are continually evolving....

     (BCP)
  • For Your Information (FYI)
  • Internet Draft
    Internet Draft
    Internet Drafts is a series of working documents published by the IETF. Typically, they are drafts for RFCs, but may be other works in progress not intended for publication as RFCs. It is considered inappropriate to rely on Internet Drafts for reference purposes...

     (I-D)
  • Internet Experiment Note
    Internet Experiment Note
    An Internet Experiment Note is a sequentially numbered document in a series of technical publications issued by the participants of the early development work groups that created the precursors of the modern Internet....

     (IEN)
  • RARE Technical Reports (RTR)

Mathematical publications

  • Mathematical Reviews number
    Mathematical Reviews
    Mathematical Reviews is a journal and online database published by the American Mathematical Society that contains brief synopses of many articles in mathematics, statistics and theoretical computer science.- Reviews :...

  • Zentralblatt MATH identifier
    Zentralblatt MATH
    Zentralblatt MATH is a service providing reviews and abstracts for articles in pure and applied mathematics, published by Springer Science+Business Media. It is a major international reviewing service which covers the entire field of mathematics...

The source of this article is wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.  The text of this article is licensed under the GFDL.
 
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