# UUID function
<a name="UUID"></a>

The UUID function generates a Universally Unique Identifier (UUID).

UUIDs are globally unique identifiers that are commonly used to provide unique identifiers for various purposes, such as: 
+ Identifying database records or other data entities.
+ Generating unique names or keys for files, directories, or other resources.
+ Tracking and correlating data across distributed systems.
+ Providing unique identifiers for network packets, software components, or other digital assets.

The UUID function generates a UUID value that is unique with a very high probability, even across distributed systems and over long periods of time. UUIDs are typically generated using a combination of the current timestamp, the computer's network address, and other random or pseudo-random data, ensuring that each generated UUID is highly unlikely to conflict with any other UUID.

In the context of a SQL query, the UUID function can be used to generate unique identifiers for new records being inserted into a database, or to provide unique keys for data partitioning, indexing, or other purposes where a unique identifier is required.

**Note**  
The UUID function is non-deterministic. 

## Syntax
<a name="UUID-syntax"></a>

```
uuid()
```

## Arguments
<a name="UUID-arguments"></a>

The UUID function takes no argument. 

## Return type
<a name="UUID-returns"></a>

UUID returns a universally unique identifier (UUID) string. The value is returned as a canonical UUID 36-character string.

## Example
<a name="UUID-example"></a>

The following example generates a Universally Unique Identifier (UUID). The output is a 36-character string representing a Universally Unique Identifier.

```
SELECT uuid();
 46707d92-02f4-4817-8116-a4c3b23e6266
```