Why no text characters in primary keys?

[ken_s2007]

The FileMaker Training Series says to use number as the type for primary key fields, and generally recommends no using text characters to prefix the numeric value. What is the reason for recommending no text characters?

Bob

[David Jondreau]

I think it's to discourage developers from attaching "meaning" to a primary key. Once you start doing that, it's hard to resist the temptation to change the key or give access to it to users.

[Ocean West]

here is another method...

http://www.fmforums.com/forum/showtopic.php?tid/100135/post/115694/#115694