attributeids

Attribute IDs are stable identifiers assigned to attributes within a data model or metadata catalog. They are used to reference attributes unambiguously across systems, versions, and data exchanges. An attribute ID is typically numeric or alphanumeric and is stored with the attribute's metadata, such as its name, data type, and allowed values. In practice, attribute IDs appear in data dictionaries, data catalogs, APIs, ETL mappings, and entity-attribute-value stores to identify the attribute being referenced rather than relying on a possibly localized or changed label.

In an entity-attribute-value (EAV) model, attribute IDs are essential because attributes are represented by records that include an AttributeID and a value, rather than by fixed table columns. Using IDs allows schemas to be extended without altering the core data structure and supports schema versioning and data integration across systems.

Example: AttributeID 101 corresponds to the attribute 'CountryOfResidence' with data type string; a data entry might store a value as (AttributeID 101, 'France') rather than as a column named 'CountryOfResidence'.

Benefits include stable references for integration, compact data interchange, and easier metadata governance. Challenges include maintaining a central, authoritative attribute registry, handling deprecation and renaming, and keeping mappings consistent across data producers and consumers.

Best practices: assign a single source of truth for Attribute IDs, avoid changing IDs after creation, document each ID with its current label and data type, and provide mapping tables to translate IDs across versions or systems.