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uuid for unique identifiers

uuid is a simple way to generate identifiers that are very unlikely to collide. It is useful for filenames, record IDs, and request correlation values.

What is uuid?​

import uuid

value = uuid.uuid4()
print(value)

uuid4() creates a random UUID.

Why it is useful​

Use UUIDs when:

  • uniqueness matters more than readability
  • ids are created across many systems or processes
  • you need quick local ids without coordination

Rules of thumb​

  • Use uuid4() for general-purpose unique identifiers.
  • Reach for uuid before inventing your own id scheme for simple uniqueness needs.
  • Do not use UUIDs when short human-readable ids are the real requirement.