Generate UUID in SQL

Table of Contents:

Method 1: Using the UUID() Function

The UUID() function is a built-in function in most SQL databases that generates a UUID. It can be used in a SQL query to generate a new UUID.

Here is an example of how to use this function:

SELECT UUID() AS uuid;

This query will generate a new UUID and return it as the "uuid" column.

Method 2: Using the NEWID() Function

The NEWID() function is another common way to generate UUIDs in SQL. It is specifically used in Microsoft SQL Server.

Here is an example of how to use this function:

SELECT NEWID() AS uuid;

This query will generate a new UUID using the NEWID() function and return it as the "uuid" column.

Method 3: Using the NEWSEQUENTIALID() Function

The NEWSEQUENTIALID() function is similar to the NEWID() function, but it generates UUIDs in a sequential order. This function is also specific to Microsoft SQL Server.

Here is an example of how to use this function:

SELECT NEWSEQUENTIALID() AS uuid;

This query will generate a new UUID using the NEWSEQUENTIALID() function and return it as the "uuid" column. The generated UUIDs will be in a sequential order.

Summary

In this article, we explored three different methods for generating UUIDs in SQL:

  1. Using the UUID() function, which is a built-in function in most SQL databases
  2. Using the NEWID() function, which is specific to Microsoft SQL Server
  3. Using the NEWSEQUENTIALID() function, which also specific to Microsoft SQL Server and generates UUIDs in a sequential order

Depending on the SQL database you are using, you can choose the appropriate method to generate UUIDs. UUIDs are a great way to ensure uniqueness in database tables and are commonly used as primary keys.