tuplid

Tuplid is a term used in data management and distributed systems to denote a unique identifier attached to a specific tuple stored in a tuple space, a database, or an in-memory collection. The tuplid serves as a stable reference to that exact tuple instance, enabling efficient lookup, linking, auditing, and cross-system references. It is distinct from the tuple’s payload; changes to the content do not necessarily alter the tuplid, depending on the system’s design.

Generation and structure commonly rely on globally unique identifiers. A tuplid is typically implemented as a UUID, GUID, or another form of unique token. It is usually generated at the moment the tuple is created and may be designed to be immutable for the lifetime of the tuple. Some architectures allow versioning, in which a new tuplid is produced for newer versions of a tuple, while the old tuplid may be retired or kept for historical reference.

Operationally, tuplids enable direct addressing of tuples for operations such as read, take, or delete. They also support history tracking, deduplication, and cross-system references in messaging and event streams. In distributed environments, ensuring the global uniqueness and consistent handling of tuplids is a central concern, often addressed with UUID-based schemes or centralized id services.

Limitations include the overhead of generating and propagating IDs, potential privacy considerations, and the need for a coherent management policy to avoid id collisions across components. See also: tuple space, UUID, and primary key concepts.