GUID V4 - Random-Based Identifier (Recommended)
GUID v4 is the most widely used random-based identifier. Learn about its structure, collision probability, advantages and why it is recommended for general-purpose applications.
How to Generate UUIDs in Go
Generate UUIDs in Go with a package such as github.com/google/uuid because the standard library does not provide UUID generation.
Recommendation: pick one UUID package and standardize on it early. That keeps both UUID v4 and UUID v7 generation consistent across services.
How to generate UUID v4 in Go
import (
"fmt"
"github.com/google/uuid"
)
func main() {
id := uuid.New()
fmt.Println(id.String())
}How to generate UUID v7 in Go
import (
"fmt"
"github.com/google/uuid"
)
func main() {
id, err := uuid.NewV7()
if err != nil {
panic(err)
}
fmt.Println(id.String())
}Native support notes
- Go does not provide UUID generation in the standard library.
- Package choice matters because UUID v7 support varies by library version.
- Document the chosen package so internal services all generate the same format.
Practical notes
- UUID v4 is good for simple distributed ID generation.
- UUID v7 is often better for append-heavy tables and sorted event streams.
- Read database performance guidance before using random UUIDs as clustered keys.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. In Go, UUID generation normally comes from an external package.
It reduces drift in behavior, dependencies, and version support across services and CLI tools. That matters even more for UUID v7, because functions such as
uuid.NewV7() depend on the package version you ship.Learn more
These articles expand on related concepts, formats and practical considerations.