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 PHP
Generate UUIDs in PHP with a library such as ramsey/uuid when you need application-level UUID v4 and UUID v7 support.
Recommendation: use UUID v4 for simple random identifiers, and UUID v7 when you want chronological ordering in APIs, queues, or database inserts.
How to generate UUID v4 in PHP
// composer require ramsey/uuid
use Ramsey\Uuid\Uuid;
$id = Uuid::uuid4();
echo $id->toString();How to generate UUID v7 in PHP
// composer require ramsey/uuid
use Ramsey\Uuid\Uuid;
$id = Uuid::uuid7();
echo $id->toString();Native support notes
- PHP ecosystems generally say UUID, not GUID.
- Most real-world PHP code uses a package rather than a core built-in function.
- Keep library version requirements explicit when documenting UUID v7.
Practical notes
Frequently Asked Questions
In most PHP applications, UUID v7 comes from a library rather than a universal core API.
ramsey/uuid is one of the most established and widely used options in PHP projects.Learn more
These articles expand on related concepts, formats and practical considerations.