📌 Identity Hashing Summary
Identity hashing is a technique used to generate a unique code, or hash, that represents the exact identity of an object in memory, rather than its contents. This means that two objects with the same data will have different identity hashes if they are stored at different locations in memory. Identity hashing is often used in programming when it is important to distinguish between two separate objects, even if they look identical.
🙋🏻♂️ Explain Identity Hashing Simply
Imagine you have two identical keys, but you keep them in separate drawers. Even though they look the same, the drawer they are in is what makes them unique. Identity hashing works in a similar way by giving each item a code based on where it lives, not what it looks like.
📅 How Can it be used?
Identity hashing can be used to track and manage unique objects in a large-scale inventory or asset management system.
🗺️ Real World Examples
In a game development project, identity hashing is used to keep track of different instances of the same character type. Even if two characters have the same attributes, the game engine uses identity hashes to know which character is which and prevent actions meant for one from affecting the other.
In a database caching system, identity hashing allows the application to recognise different connections or sessions, even if they are operating on the same data, ensuring that resources are properly allocated and isolated.
✅ FAQ
What is identity hashing and how is it different from regular hashing?
Identity hashing creates a special code for each object based on where it lives in the computer’s memory, instead of what is inside the object. So even if you have two objects that look exactly the same, they will have different identity hashes if they are stored in different places. This is different from regular hashing, which gives the same hash for objects with the same content.
Why would someone use identity hashing instead of checking if two objects are the same?
Identity hashing is helpful when you care about whether two objects are actually the very same thing, not just whether they look alike. For example, if you are tracking different pieces in a game or working with separate items in a list, identity hashing helps you tell them apart, even if they have the same details inside.
Can two objects with the same data have different identity hashes?
Yes, two objects with the same data can have different identity hashes if they are stored in different places in memory. That is because identity hashing is based on where the object is, not just what is inside it. This can be useful for keeping track of individual objects even if they look exactly the same.
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