Difference between FDS record key and record ID

[Andy]

Hi,

The title summarizes the question. I don't understand the difference between the record key and the record ID.

The documentation doesn't really help me understand this. How does the record key not identify the record? Or why is it necessary to have a separate 32-bit ID?

[awneil]

Andy said:

The documentation doesn't really help me understand this

I'd have to agree with you there:

https://devzone.nordicsemi.com/f/nordic-q-a/35843/flash-data-storage-fds-what-is-the-point-of-files-and-records

[Andy]

Haha yes, I saw your post when I was looking for answers. I actually was already involved in that conversation.

[awneil]

Yes - I saw that in finding the link!

The basic answer seems to be that these are just two arbitrary, independent fields with no particular significance that you can use in whatever way you wish.

Conflating them with well-known terms like "file" and "record" seems unhelpful at best - and possibly misleading.

Nordic seem to be good at this; eg,

https://devzone.nordicsemi.com/f/nordic-q-a/46515/fast-advertising-slow-advertising-and-indefinite-advertising

I wonder if it's something in the translation between Norwegian & English ... ?

[Andy]

I actually understand the use of "files" and "records". You can find a specific record within a file, you can delete all records in a file, etc. But I don't understand why there are two different record identifiers.

Maybe it's like a third-level of identification, since you can have multiple records with the same key within the same file - but if that's the case, those variables are in serious need of renaming.

[Andy]

Maybe something like folder, file and record? Who knows.

[awneil]

But there is no structure - as implied by folders, files, & records