Are the R.xxx.xxx resource id's static through versions?

Question

If I were to store a string resource id in a database, could I expect the resource id to still point me to the desired string when I pull it back a few versions down the line?

Sample Case:

• Store the recource Id 0x7f060003, with the assumption it points to the string "I'm a pleasant string!" for an inderterminate amount of time.

• Time comes along in which I need the resource, but X versions have passed, will the resource id still point to "I'm a pleasant string!"?

Answer 1

Use getResources().getIdentifier() instead. This way you can retrieve your ressource by its name, even if its id changes. Here's an example:

int resID = getResources().getIdentifier("nameofthedrawable", "drawable", "com.your.project");

You can then save just the name of the ressource in the database, and retrieve the ressources later from the database.

See this link for more info.

Answer 2

When you say X versions have passed, do you mean you have changed your source code? And updated the apk?

The R id integers are created at compile time. Therefore constant in your app once built.

However if you add a new layout / id / drawable your ID's will change.