Developer UUID tools
What is GUID?
A GUID is a globally unique identifier, a 128-bit value commonly used in Microsoft and .NET systems to identify records, objects, and resources.
GUID meaning
GUID stands for globally unique identifier. Developers use GUIDs when an application needs IDs that can be generated independently without asking one central counter for the next value.
GUID length and format
A standard GUID string uses the same 8-4-4-4-12 hexadecimal layout as a UUID, for a total of 36 characters with hyphens or 32 without hyphens.
Some Microsoft tools also show GUIDs in braces, such as {123e4567-e89b-42d3-a456-426614174000}.
GUID vs UUID
GUID and UUID usually refer to the same 128-bit identifier format. GUID is common in Microsoft and .NET language, while UUID is common in standards and cross-platform tooling.
Use GUID when matching Microsoft or .NET terminology. Use UUID when writing cross-platform documentation or standards-oriented code.
FAQ
What does GUID stand for?+
GUID stands for globally unique identifier.
How long is a GUID?+
A hyphenated GUID is 36 characters long. Without hyphens, it has 32 hexadecimal characters.
Is GUID the same as UUID?+
In most practical developer contexts, yes. The names differ mostly by ecosystem and documentation style.