What is UUID and where is it used? from Mila's blog

UUID (Universally Unique Identifier) ​​is a standard designed to create unique identifiers that can be used across systems and applications. These identifiers allow you to identify objects, data, devices, and more, ensuring that each UUID is unique. You can easily generate UUID at https://passwordgenerator.net/uuid/.In this article, we will take a detailed look at what a UUID is, how it works, and where it is used in modern technology.

A UUID is a 128-bit number that can be represented as a 36-character string. This string includes 32 hexadecimal characters and four hyphens, which divide the identifier into five parts. An example UUID might look like this: 123e4567-e89b-12d3-a456-426614174000

UUID was designed to ensure that each identifier is unique, even if they are created on different systems or devices. This is achieved by using a combination of random numbers, generation time, and unique device identifiers.

There are several versions of UUID, each using different methods to generate the unique identifier. The most common are:

• - UUID version 1:This type of UUID is based on the creation time and the device identifier (e.g. MAC address). It ensures that UUIDs created at different times on the same device are unique.

• - UUID version 4:This UUID is generated randomly. Most modern systems and applications use this method because it is not time or device dependent.

• - UUID version 5:This type of UUID is created by hashing (most commonly using the SHA-1 algorithm) a specific namespace and a unique value.

UUID generation, especially when using version 4, is so efficient that the probability of two identical UUIDs colliding is virtually zero.

UUIDs find wide application in various areas of information technology, from databases to network protocols. Here are some of the most common areas of UUID application:

Databases

UUID is often used as a primary key in relational databases. It ensures that each record is unique, even if the data comes from different sources. Unlike auto-incrementing numeric identifiers, UUIDs help avoid conflicts when merging data from different databases.

Object Identification Management

In many distributed systems and applications where it is necessary to uniquely identify objects or entities, UUID is used to create unique identifiers. This can be useful in version control systems, file directories, and other similar systems.

Internet of Things (IoT)

In the IoT world, where billions of devices are connected to the internet, it is necessary to ensure that each device has a unique identifier. UUID provides a reliable way to identify each device, regardless of manufacturer, type, or location.

Unique links and tokens

UUID is also widely used to generate unique links and tokens. For example, when sending a link to reset a password or activate an account, a UUID is often used to ensure security and uniqueness.

Application and API Development

Many developers use UUIDs to create unique identifiers for users, sessions, transactions, and other elements in their applications. This is especially true in systems where data comes from different sources and requires reliable identification.

Like any tool, UUID has its pros and cons.

Advantages:

• - Uniqueness:The high probability of uniqueness makes UUIDs ideal for distributed systems.
• - Global applicability:UUID can be used in any system, regardless of its geographic location or hardware.
• - Security:UUIDs are difficult to guess or forge, which increases the security of systems that use them.

Flaws:

• - Size:UUIDs take up more space than numeric identifiers, which can increase the amount of data stored.
• - Performance:Generating and comparing UUIDs can be slower than working with numeric identifiers, especially in systems with large amounts of data.

UUID is a powerful tool for creating unique identifiers in distributed systems and applications. Its use is widespread in various fields, from databases to the Internet of Things, due to its ability to guarantee the uniqueness of identifiers regardless of context. Despite some drawbacks, such as size and potential impact on performance, the benefits of UUID make it an indispensable element in the world of modern technology.