What is an identifier and where is it used?

Each object must be able to somehow identify. If the story is about the table, you need to mention how it looks, how many boxes it contains, 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 among many similar ones. Conditionally they are divided into these types:

• Unique electrical signal (applies only to circuits inside the device);
• Unique property of the object.

The data identifier provides information about where to store them. Also, it indicates what kind of type can be saved (text, integer or some other). Thanks to identifiers, the mechanism of data saving and their subsequent use is implemented.

Identity requirements

If we talk about the identifier that transmits the unique property of the object, then it may be subject to requirements like using exclusively Latin or numerical values. There may also be specific instructions about its size.

When working with an electronic signal, the identifier must only be used to activate one action. So, for example, if you want to make a radio-controlled airplane, then something should be responsible for the engine on / off, so that there are no cases when the engine itself started or, at the wrong time, turned off.

The use of identifiers in the development of stand-alone programs

What is an identifier, if we talk about it in relation to working with a computer and the application software on it? When developing programs, you should consider using them by several people, so that if they create their own unique settings, these parameters are loaded. Also, data identifiers allow you to determine what work results are and where to save them for later reference to them. So, the Windows identifier can determine where it is necessary to save the work done in "Word" or "Excel".

Usually all the fields where information is entered have a certain identifier that coincides with the one in the database. This is done so that in case of problems you can quickly find a problem point.

Identifiers are present even in the very basis of the basics when working with programs. They also exist for the memory locations of each computer. This applies to both permanent memory and operational memory. When accessing each cell, the ID is first called, and then the data is overwritten.

What is an identifier for online services

Identifiers in online services are used to recognize different people and need to transmit different data streams. Each user is assigned his own individual number, to which special opportunities are attached: to save a certain amount of data, to transmit information of a certain extension or size, the speed of data exchange.

Identifiers for network use are for 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. He also allows him to be found among the whole array of information. Now that you have read this article, you know what an identifier is, and if necessary, you can explain it to other people who do not understand this question.