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'''What is a GUID?''' | ==== '''What is a GUID?''' ==== | ||
A '''GUID''' (Globally Unique Identifier) is a 128-bit integer used to uniquely identify resources. | A '''GUID''' (Globally Unique Identifier) is a 128-bit integer used to uniquely identify resources. | ||
It is usually represented as a sequence of 32 hexadecimal digits grouped into chunks (e.g., <code>30dd879c-ee2f-11db-8314-0800200c9a66</code>). The format consists of 8-4-4-4-12 segments. | It is usually represented as a sequence of 32 hexadecimal digits grouped into chunks (e.g., <code>30dd879c-ee2f-11db-8314-0800200c9a66</code>). The format consists of 8-4-4-4-12 segments. | ||
'''Uniqueness and Size''': | ==== '''Uniqueness and Size''': ==== | ||
GUIDs are enormous numbers, nearly guaranteed to be unique. They provide approximately 2^128 (about 10^38) possible values. | GUIDs are enormous numbers, nearly guaranteed to be unique. They provide approximately 2^128 (about 10^38) possible values. | ||
This vast range ensures that collisions (two identical GUIDs) are highly unlikely. | This vast range ensures that collisions (two identical GUIDs) are highly unlikely. | ||
'''Context-Agnostic''': | ==== '''Context-Agnostic''': ==== | ||
GUIDs are not tied to a specific product or domain. They can be used for people, cars, files, webpages, colors, or anything else. Context determines the meaning of a GUID. | GUIDs are not tied to a specific product or domain. They can be used for people, cars, files, webpages, colors, or anything else. Context determines the meaning of a GUID. | ||
'''Advantages''': | ==== '''Advantages''': ==== | ||
No central authority is needed for GUID management. GUIDs can be assigned to anything in the universe. They solve the problem of counting and managing unique IDs. | No central authority is needed for GUID management. GUIDs can be assigned to anything in the universe. They solve the problem of counting and managing unique IDs. | ||
'''Usage''': | ==== '''Usage''': ==== | ||
GUIDs are commonly used in databases, software interfaces, sessions, and more. They provide a unique serial number applicable to any item. | GUIDs are commonly used in databases, software interfaces, sessions, and more. They provide a unique serial number applicable to any item. | ||
Revision as of 08:11, 8 April 2024
What is a GUID?
A GUID (Globally Unique Identifier) is a 128-bit integer used to uniquely identify resources.
It is usually represented as a sequence of 32 hexadecimal digits grouped into chunks (e.g., 30dd879c-ee2f-11db-8314-0800200c9a66). The format consists of 8-4-4-4-12 segments.
Uniqueness and Size:
GUIDs are enormous numbers, nearly guaranteed to be unique. They provide approximately 2^128 (about 10^38) possible values.
This vast range ensures that collisions (two identical GUIDs) are highly unlikely.
Context-Agnostic:
GUIDs are not tied to a specific product or domain. They can be used for people, cars, files, webpages, colors, or anything else. Context determines the meaning of a GUID.
Advantages:
No central authority is needed for GUID management. GUIDs can be assigned to anything in the universe. They solve the problem of counting and managing unique IDs.
Usage:
GUIDs are commonly used in databases, software interfaces, sessions, and more. They provide a unique serial number applicable to any item.
Remember, GUIDs are like gigantic ID numbers, ensuring uniqueness across the globe and even throughout the entire universe.
They’re a powerful tool for creating globally unique identifiers without the management overhead12.