Can I Use String Keys with Datastore's AllocateIDs?

Can String Keys Be Used with AllocateIDs in Datastore?

Identifying entities in Datastore can involve both numeric IDs (intID) or string names. However, within a single entity's key, only one identifier type can be used.

Automatic ID Generation

AllocateIDs generates unique identifiers that are always integers. If a string is expected as the key, it's tempting to convert the integer to a string. However, this can pose a collision risk.

String Name vs. Integer ID

The datastore distinguishes between entities with string and integer identifiers. Entities with integer IDs (intID) are unique to their type, while entities with string names are unique only if manually assigned by the application.

Safe Use of AllocateIDs

Although the datastore avoids duplicate integer IDs that it generates, it cannot guarantee uniqueness of string names. Therefore, manual assignment of string names carries the risk of conflicts.

Alternative Approaches

Consider these alternatives to manual string identifier assignment:

• Use a unique property within the entity itself as the identifier.
• Rely on automatic intID assignment, which ensures uniqueness within its type.

Conclusion

While converting generated integer IDs to strings may seem convenient, it could compromise uniqueness within entities. For string-based keys, it's crucial to implement application logic to ensure their uniqueness before assignment. Alternatively, leveraging unique entity properties or the datastore's automatic intID generation can provide safer and more efficient identification mechanisms.

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