GUID (Globally Unique Identifier) online generator and definition.
GUID stands for Globally Unique Identifier. It is a 128-bit identifier used in software development and various other fields to uniquely identify objects, entities, or resources. GUIDs are generated according to specific algorithms, ensuring that each generated identifier is highly unlikely to be duplicated. GUIDs are represented as 32 hexadecimal digits grouped into five sections as 8-4-4-4-12, separated by hyphens XXXXXXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXXXXXXXXXX for example, "8d37ee21-7839-4e1d-a8f3-ebc027277b98". They are commonly used in databases, distributed systems, and various programming languages to create unique identifiers for different purposes, such as database records, files, or components in a software system.
There are several types of GUIDs, each generated using different algorithms and methods. Here are some common types of GUIDs:
1. UUID (Universally Unique Identifier):
UUID is a widely used type of GUID that follows a standardized format specified by RFC 4122. It is generated using a combination of timestamp, random numbers, and other unique identifiers. UUIDs are globally unique and have a low probability of collision.
2. COMB GUID (Combination GUID):
COMB GUID is a type of GUID specifically designed for use in databases to minimize index fragmentation. It combines a timestamp with a random or sequential number to create a unique identifier. COMB GUIDs are often used in database systems to generate primary keys for records.
3. Sequential GUID:
Sequential GUID is generated in a sequential order to ensure that newly generated GUIDs are approximately ordered by time. This can be useful for certain applications where ordering by creation time is important. However, sequential GUIDs may lead to contention in distributed systems.
4. MAC Address-based GUID:
MAC Address-based GUIDs are generated using the unique MAC address of a network interface card (NIC) combined with additional data to create a globally unique identifier. These GUIDs are highly unique but may pose privacy concerns as they may reveal information about the device's hardware.
5. Custom GUIDs:
Custom GUIDs are generated using custom algorithms or specific data sources to create unique identifiers tailored to a particular application or use case. These GUIDs may vary significantly in their generation method and uniqueness characteristics based on the specific requirements of the application.