What Is UUID?
A UUID (Universally Unique Identifier) is a value used to identify uniqueness. It is a binary digit (also known as a bit) that has a 128-bit value. This string of bits is most commonly used in software development and is designed to be unique both now and in the future. The reason UUID's are considered to be unique indefinitely is because they either use timestamps or a random string of numbers that will never be reproduced in exactly the same way ever again.
What Does UUID Stand For?
UUID stands for Universally Unique Identifier. It is a 128-bit value used in software development to identify unique values.
There are four different types of UUID's, including:
- Version 1 UUID: Which uses a timestamp and the MAC address of the computer it was created from to generate a UUID
- Version 3 UUID: Which uses an MD5 (Message Digest Algorithm 5) hash of namespace and name to generate a UUID
- Version 4 UUID: Which uses random numbers to generate a unique UUID
- Version 5 UUID: Which uses an SHA-1(Secure Hash Algorithm 1) hash of a namespace and name to generate a UUID
Version 4 is often considered the most common ways to generate a UUID.
Version 4 UUID
Version 4 UUIDs are common unique identifier used by software developers, usually when debugging. It is generated using random numbers and no logic, which is why Version 4 UUIDs are not typically used if you need to generate a unique ID that is time-sensitive.
Since Version 4 UUIDs use a random set of generated numbers, duplication is possible, but highly unlikely. This is because you would need to generate trillions of Version 4 UUIDs before you get the same random set of bits.
With Version 4 UUIDs, you can:
- Generate simpler UUIDs that don't give away information about the source (like Version 1 UUIDs do when they take the MAC address)
- Quickly spot matches when reviewing longer lists of information matched with UUIDs
How to Use the UUID Generator
If you need to generate a UUID Version 4, you can use our UUID Generator. Under the hood, Create UUID uses uuid package to generate RFC-compliant UUIDs.
Here is how to use the UUID Generate in a few simple steps:
- Click on the "Generate UUID" button
- This will generate the UUID Version 4
- Click on the copy icon to copy it to your clipboard
- Paste it where you need it to use the UUID
To generate a new UUID, repeat the above steps again to generate a UUID.