python - Use Datastore Entity's ID or Key in ProtoRPC.Message -

when transmitting references other datastore entities using message class protorpc, should use str(key) or key.id(). first 1 string second 1 long.

does make difference in end? there restrictions?

it appears when filtering queries, same results come out.

thanks

it depends on goal , whether or not you're using db or nbd.

if use str(key) you'll entity key , need construct new key (on server depending on value). using ndb, recommend using key.urlsafe() explicit , ndb.key(urlsafe=value) create new key. unfortunately best can db str(key) , db.key(string_value).

using key.id() depends on ndb or db. if using db know value integer (and key.name() string) if using ndb either integer or string. in case, should use key.integer_id() or key.string_id(). in either case, if turn integers strings, require manually casting integer before retrieving entities or setting keys; e.g. mymodel.get_by_id(int(value))

if make recommendation, advise explicit ids, pay attention way allocated , give these opaque values user in api. if want let app engine allocate ids use protorpc.messages.integerfield represent these rather casting string.

also, please switch db ndb if haven't already.