6b3c006e-2a5a-4de2-a4a3-4bb8b5489de9.mvzx.de

What is a UUID?

A UUID (Universally Unique Identifier) is a 128-bit number used to uniquely identify information in computer systems. The standard format is represented as a string of 32 hexadecimal characters, typically displayed in five groups separated by hyphens. It ensures that the identifier is unique across different systems, making it an essential tool in distributed computing.

Structure and Versions

The UUID 6b3c006e-2a5a-4de2-a4a3-4bb8b5489de9 adheres to the version 4 UUID format, which is randomly generated. The structure splits as follows:

Time Low: 6b3c006e
Time Mid: 2a5a
Time High and Version: 4de2
Clock Sequence: a4a3
Node: 4bb8b5489de9

In version 4, the first digit of the third group (the "version" part) indicates that this UUID is randomly generated, while the other parts are influenced by random numbers. This randomness ensures a high level of uniqueness.

Applications of UUIDs

UUIDs, including 6b3c006e-2a5a-4de2-a4a3-4bb8b5489de9, find their use in various domains:

Database Keys: Unique identifiers for records in databases.
Session Identifiers: Used for tracking sessions in web applications.
File Names: Unique file names for preventing overwriting in file storage systems.
APIs: Identifiers for resources in RESTful APIs.

Significance of UUIDs

The primary advantage of using UUIDs is their universality and uniqueness. They eliminate the need for a central authority to generate unique identifiers, making them ideal for decentralized systems. Additionally, UUIDs can provide a level of anonymity, as they do not encode meaningful information about the data source.