objectkey

Objectkey is a term used in software engineering to denote a unique identifier assigned to an object within a storage or reference system. An objectkey serves as a stable handle that enables locating, retrieving, and relating the object without requiring access to its full data payload.

Characteristics include uniqueness, immutability, and often persistence across sessions. Objectkeys are typically opaque to the consumer, meaning that the value itself carries no descriptive meaning about the object.

Common implementations include universally unique identifiers (UUIDs or GUIDs), numeric surrogates, and domain-specific composite keys. Objectkeys may be generated by the storage system or supplied by clients, and they may be allocated in a centralized authority or in a distributed manner. In distributed systems, objectkeys help decouple identity from the object's location or representation.

Use cases span databases, caches, object stores, and message passing. In databases, objectkeys can serve as primary keys or as foreign keys referencing objects in other tables or documents. In key-value stores and document databases, the objectkey is the primary means of retrieval. In programming, an objectkey can be used as a handle or reference to a runtime object.

Design considerations include choosing a key type that supports indexing, ensuring the key remains stable even if the object's data changes, and preventing information leakage through predictable keys. Performance, scalability, and security often guide the choice between opaque random keys and meaningful natural keys.

Related concepts include primary keys, surrogate keys, UUIDs, GUIDs, object identifiers (OIDs), and URIs. The exact definition of objectkey can vary by system, but the core idea is a distinct, persistent reference to a specific object.