Documentation:Guid

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.