What is a UUID?
A UUID (Universally Unique Identifier) is a 128-bit number used to uniquely identify information in computer systems. UUIDs are widely used in databases, distributed systems, and software development to ensure unique identification without central coordination.
UUIDs are standardized by the Open Software Foundation (OSF) and come in several versions, such as UUID v1 (time-based) and UUID v4 (random). Our tool generates UUID v4, which is the most commonly used version due to its randomness and simplicity.
Free Online UUID Generator
How to Use Our UUID Generator
Click 'Generate UUID':
The tool will instantly create a new UUID v4.
Copy the UUID:
Click the 'Copy' button to copy the UUID to your clipboard.
Use the UUID:
Paste the UUID into your project, database, or application.
UUID Versions Explained
UUID Versions Explained
- UUID v1: Generated based on the current time and the device's MAC address. This version is time-based and may reveal information about the generating system.
- UUID v4: Generated using random numbers. This version is the most commonly used due to its simplicity and lack of identifiable information.
Our tool generates UUID v4, which is ideal for most use cases.
Common Use Cases for UUIDs
UUIDs are widely used in various scenarios, including:
- Database Records: UUIDs are often used as primary keys in databases to ensure unique identification across distributed systems.
- Session Management: UUIDs can be used to uniquely identify user sessions in web applications.
- File Naming: UUIDs are used to generate unique filenames, preventing conflicts in file storage systems.
- Distributed Systems: UUIDs are essential in distributed systems where centralized coordination is not feasible.
FAQs About UUID Generation
What is a UUID (Universally Unique Identifier)?
A UUID, or Universally Unique Identifier, is a 128-bit number used to identify information in computer systems with a high degree of uniqueness. Think of it as a digital fingerprint for data: an alphanumeric string, formatted in a pattern of 8-4-4-4-12 hexadecimal characters (for example: ). The main purpose of a UUID is to provide a unique label for objects, records, or resources—across distributed systems, databases, and even entire networks. This uniqueness is achieved through various generation methods, including randomness, timestamps, or cryptographic hashing, depending on the specific UUID version in use. By design, UUIDs drastically minimize the chances of generating duplicates—even when millions are created across different machines at the same time. This makes them popular for use by organizations like Microsoft, Google, and in open standards for everything from database keys to session identifiers.
How unique is a UUID?
The probability of generating the same UUID twice is extremely low, making UUIDs practically unique.
Can I generate multiple UUIDs at once?
Yes, you can generate multiple UUIDs by clicking the 'Generate UUID' button repeatedly.
Is this tool free to use?
Yes, our UUID generator is completely free to use. No registration or downloads are required.
Can I use UUIDs in my commercial projects?
Yes, UUIDs generated by this tool can be used in both personal and commercial projects without restrictions.
What Is the Difference Between a UUID and a GUID?
If you've come across both 'UUID' and 'GUID', you're probably wondering if there's any real difference. The answer: they're essentially the same thing—a 128-bit value designed to be unique. In practice, you can use UUIDs and GUIDs interchangeably. The key difference is the term: 'UUID' is the standard name; 'GUID' is the Microsoft-specific name. Both refer to a 128-bit identifier designed to be unique across space and time.
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