Guides
Articles covering UUID concepts, version selection, and real-world use.
What is a UUID
A ground-up overview of what a UUID (Universally Unique Identifier) is and why it is used.
UUID versions overview (v1, v3, v4, v5, v7)
A comparison of how each UUID version is created and when to use it.
UUID vs ULID vs NanoID
A comparison of three representative identifiers by length, sorting, and use.
UUID as a database primary key
The pros and cons of using a UUID as a primary key, and choosing between v4 and v7.
Collision probability and security
A look at whether UUIDs are truly unique and whether they are safe to use as security tokens.
Using UUIDs in URLs and Filenames
Things to watch out for when placing UUIDs in URL paths or filenames, plus shorter alternatives.
UUID Performance and Storage Tips
The factors that drive UUID performance when generating them in bulk and storing them in a database.
UUID Best Practices
A checklist of principles worth following when working with UUIDs in production.