GUID Generator

What is a GUID?

GUID or also referred to as "UUID"" is an acronym for 'Globally Unique Identifier' (or 'Universally Unique Identifier'). Generally, Microsoft tools will refer to it as a GUID, were as other technology basis refer to it as a UUID. While it is defined as "unique" the truth is that its uniqueness is NOT 100% guaranteed,

How are GUIDs used?

GUIDs are use to "Globally uniquely identify any resource.

How unique is a GUID?

Each GUID is STATISTICALLY unique across all systems and time. This means that the probability of generating the same GUID twice is extremely low.

Is Version 7 more unique than Version 4?

GUID Version 7 and Version 4 have different characteristics and use cases, which can affect their uniqueness and suitability for various applications:

GUID Version 4

• Random Generation: Version 4 GUIDs are generated randomly. They consist of 122 random bits, making them highly unique with a very low probability of collision.
• Structure: The format is xxxxxxxx-xxxx-4xxx-yxxx-xxxxxxxxxxxx, where x is any hexadecimal digit and y is one of 8, 9, A, or B.
• Use Case: Ideal for general-purpose use where uniqueness is required without any embedded information about the creation time or source.

GUID Version 7

• Timestamp-Based: Version 7 GUIDs include a 48-bit Unix Epoch timestamp, providing approximately millisecond granularity. This makes them sortable by creation time.
• Structure: The format includes a timestamp followed by random bits, which helps in maintaining uniqueness while also embedding the creation time.
• Use Case: Suitable for high-load databases and distributed systems where sorting by creation time is beneficial.

Comparison

• Uniqueness: Both versions offer high uniqueness, but Version 4 relies purely on randomness, while Version 7 combines a timestamp with randomness.
• Sorting: Version 7 GUIDs can be sorted by creation time, which is an advantage in certain applications like databases.
• Context: Choose Version 4 for general-purpose use and Version 7 when you need sortable identifiers with embedded timestamps.

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