resourceid

Resource ID, or resourceid, refers to an identifier assigned to a resource in computing to enable unique reference and management. It is used across operating systems, programming environments, and cloud platforms to locate, retrieve, and operate on resources such as files, processes, network endpoints, or database objects.

Formats vary: integers, UUIDs, strings, or compound forms such as an ARN. In Windows, resource IDs in binary resource files (icons, strings) are integers or names used with resource handles; in RESTful APIs, a resource's ID is typically included in the URL segment (GET /resources/{id}). Cloud providers assign resource IDs or ARNs to resources; the ARN encodes the service, region, account, resource type, and ID.

In databases, primary keys act as resource IDs for rows, enabling direct lookups and relationships. In virtualization and infrastructure management, resources such as virtual machines or storage volumes receive IDs used for tracking, access control, and billing.

Benefits of resource IDs include stable addressing, interoperability, and traceability across systems. Important considerations include avoiding accidental exposure of internal IDs in public interfaces, handling ID evolution and migrations, and preventing collisions or aliasing when moving resources between environments. Proper ID design supports security, auditability, and scalable resource management.

See also: UUID, GUID, ARN, URI, URL, primary key.