What is the maximum size that an AlphaNumeric key can be.

If any one has seen one , I was wondering if I can use an "ISO Fingerprint template" as a record key.

Just saw this:

"The template is a binary file consisting of simple fields arranged into field groups."

So does this mean there could be fieldmarkers and I would be in trouble?

What is the maximum size that an AlphaNumeric key can be.

If any one has seen one , I was wondering if I can use an "ISO Fingerprint template" as a record key.

Just saw this:

"The template is a binary file consisting of simple fields arranged into field groups."

So does this mean there could be fieldmarkers and I would be in trouble?

I believe the max key length is now 512.

That reference to "field/s" has nothing to do with OI fieldmarks. It is using field in a generic sense. That said, that doesn't preclude template content from containing system delimiters since this is a "binary file".

Don Bakke

SRP Computer Solutions, Inc.

What is the maximum size that an AlphaNumeric key can be.

If any one has seen one , I was wondering if I can use an "ISO Fingerprint template" as a record key.

Just saw this:

"The template is a binary file consisting of simple fields arranged into field groups."

So does this mean there could be fieldmarkers and I would be in trouble?

I believe the max key length is now 512.

That reference to "field/s" has nothing to do with OI fieldmarks. It is using field in a generic sense. That said, that doesn't preclude template content from containing system delimiters since this is a "binary file".

Don Bakke

SRP Computer Solutions, Inc.

Thanks Don.

Ooops, I should have highlited that bit - "binary file"

Hi, Barry. You might consider taking that binary information and generating a unique hah value from it, which you could then use as a record key. It's an extra calculation step, but you end up with something you know won't contain anything nasty.

- Bryan Shumsky

Revelation Software, Inc.

Hi, Barry. You might consider taking that binary information and generating a unique hah value from it, which you could then use as a record key. It's an extra calculation step, but you end up with something you know won't contain anything nasty.

- Bryan Shumsky

Revelation Software, Inc.

generating a unique hash value from it

How do you do that.?

Can I assume that each time an 'unique hash value' was created on the exact same binary , the hash value would be the same?

generating a unique hash value from it

How do you do that.?

Can I assume that each time an 'unique hash value' was created on the exact same binary , the hash value would be the same?

Yes, there's a function in OI 9.x called RTI_MD5 - you pass in a method (either "hex_md5" or "b64_md5") and a string of "stuff" and it will generate an MD5 hash of the "stuff" and return the hash as either a hex or base64 string. Each time you run it on the same stuff you'll get the same hash, yes.

- Bryan Shumsky

Revelation Software, Inc.

Barry - I think Bryan is giving you good advice with this. Hash values are often used to compare passwords without having to transmit the actual password. In your case, the benefit extends toward the generation of a "safe" version of your data, which is often used in web applications for similar reasons.

My only concern is whether MD5 is sufficient for your needs. There are known collission vulnerabilities, but it might be highly unlikely that your application will encounter these.

Bryan - Does RTI provide support for SHA256?

Don Bakke

SRP Computer Solutions, Inc.

RTI_CRYPTO is documented as supporting

HEX_MD5

B64_MD5

STR_MD5

HEX_HMAC_MD5

B64_HMAC_MD5

STR_HMAC_MD5

HEX_SHA1

B64_SHA1

STR_SHA1

ANY_SHA1

HEX_HMAC_SHA1

B64_HMAC_SHA1

ANY_HMAC_SHA1

STR_HMAC_SHA1

although there is also a RTI_SHA256 which seems to call the above…

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Barry - I think Bryan is giving you good advice with this. Hash values are often used to compare passwords without having to transmit the actual password. In your case, the benefit extends toward the generation of a "safe" version of your data, which is often used in web applications for similar reasons.

My only concern is whether MD5 is sufficient for your needs. There are known collission vulnerabilities, but it might be highly unlikely that your application will encounter these.

Bryan - Does RTI provide support for SHA256?

Don Bakke

SRP Computer Solutions, Inc.

Hi, Don. For the purposes described, it is unlikely that MD5 will be a problem, as per the Wiki article you referenced:

Even a small change in the message will (with overwhelming probability) result in a mostly different hash, due to the avalanche effect.

However, yes, the RTI_MD5 also allows for SHA256 using the method "hex_sha256" or "b64_sha256", I think. Of course the "cost" is a slightly slower calculation.

- Bryan Shumsky

Revelation Software, Inc.

For the purposes described, it is unlikely that MD5 will be a problem, as per the Wiki article you referenced

Depsite the unlikelihood of the situation, Barry might have requirements in this design. Some of our contracts specify these things.

Don Bakke

SRP Computer Solutions, Inc.

Just wanted to add a little info that might be useful…

1) The READNEXT statement does parse the keys (record ids) using the OI @FM (char 254).

2) The GET_PROPERTY and SET_PROPERTY parses using the OI @RM (char 255). Also I have noticed and was told that CHAR(0) seems to truncate data.

Just suggesting to plan ahead. Although there is no character restriction that I know of the above two items might cause issues "down the road".

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