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Author Topic: MCWS File Keys  (Read 1037 times)

DaveL

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MCWS File Keys
« on: December 21, 2010, 08:43:54 am »

What is the suitability of using the MCWS file keys for a local cache?  For a given library will they remain unique over time?  Or are they recalculated each time the server restarts?  If a file is removed from the server can it's key be reused?
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DaveL

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Re: MCWS File Keys
« Reply #1 on: January 04, 2011, 07:07:18 am »

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Matt

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Re: MCWS File Keys
« Reply #2 on: January 04, 2011, 08:06:51 am »

What is the suitability of using the MCWS file keys for a local cache?

File keys are unique, permanent, and can be used between runs.


Quote
For a given library will they remain unique over time?

Yes.


Quote
If a file is removed from the server can it's key be reused?

No.  Theoretically there's a corner case where after importing over 4 billion files (even if 3.99 billion have since been removed) the keys will, by design, circle.  I think this can be ignored in practical application.


A final note is that the MCWS browse IDs are _not_ permanent or immutable.  They are generated at run time and only work for a single run of the program.  This is because the browse hierarchy is customizable and can be built from expressions, so that assigning each value a permanent ID doesn't really make sense.
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Matt Ashland, JRiver Media Center
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