I need to refer to a number of things that have both an identifier value (used in code and configuration), and a human-readable label. These things include:

• database columns
• dropdown items
• subapplications
• objects stored in a dictionary

I want two unambiguous terms. One to refer to the identifier/value/key. One to refer to the label.

As you can see, I'm pretty settled on the latter :) For the former, identifier seems best (not everything is strictly a key, and value and name could refer to the label; although, identifier usually refers only to a variable name), but I would prefer to follow an established practice if there is one.

Is there an established term for this? (Please provide a source.) If not, are there any examples of a choice from a significant source (Java APIs, MSDN, a big FLOSS project)?

(I wasn't sure if this should be posted here or to English Language & Usage. I thought this was the more appropriate expert audience. Happy to migrate if not.)