UID

A unique identifier (UID) is a character string, either numeric or alphanumeric, that is assigned to an individual item within a broader system. UIDs are special to each item, which makes it possible to access one specific item quickly and efficiently without needing to sift through a large number of similar items. UIDs can be generated randomly by an algorithm or manually by a human user.

How are UIDs used?

A UID can be used in a wide range of scenarios and disciplines. Most commonly, a website or application assigns a new UID when a new user registers for an account. Sometimes these UIDs are automatically generated and assigned without visibility to the end user, but usually the system uses the username provided during registration as the UID. This is why many registration forms will reject a proposed username if it’s already taken by another user.

UIDs can also be used to distinguish columns or fields in databases or spreadsheets. In relational databases specifically, UIDs are synonymous with primary keys, which are used to sort data by field.

Code sets in healthcare settings can be considered UIDs. Providers, insurers, and other healthcare professionals use these codes to identify various medical tests, diagnoses, procedures, treatments, and supplies. Unique identifiers are also frequently used to replace a patient’s name to streamline all related patient data and protect the patient’s privacy.

Examples of unique identifiers

The following list contains common examples of UIDs:

  • Serial numbers, which identify physical products
  • URLs, which identify web addresses
  • SSIDs, which identify wireless networks
  • GUIDs, which identify user accounts, documents, hardware, software, and other items in Windows applications
Kaiti Norton
Kaiti Norton
Kaiti Norton is a Nashville-based Content Writer for TechnologyAdvice, a full-service B2B media company. She is passionate about helping brands build genuine connections with their customers through relatable, research-based content. When she's not writing about technology, she's sharing her musings about fashion, cats, books, and skincare on her blog.
Get the Free Newsletter
Subscribe to Daily Tech Insider for top news, trends & analysis
This email address is invalid.
Get the Free Newsletter
Subscribe to Daily Tech Insider for top news, trends & analysis
This email address is invalid.

Related Articles

Complete List of Cybersecurity Acronyms

Cybersecurity news and best practices are full of acronyms and abbreviations. Without understanding what each one means, it's difficult to comprehend the significance of...

Human Resources Management System

A Human Resources Management System (HRMS) is a software application that supports many functions of a company's Human Resources department, including benefits administration, payroll,...

How To Defend Yourself Against Identity Theft

Almost every worldwide government agency responsible for identity theft issues will tell you the same thing: The first step to fighting identity theft is...

Infographic

An infographic is a visual representation of information or data. It combines the words information and graphic and includes a collection of imagery, charts,...

ScalaHosting

ScalaHosting is a leading managed hosting provider that offers secure, scalable, and affordable...

HRIS

Human resources information system (HRIS) solutions help businesses manage multiple facets of their...

Best Managed Service Providers...

In today's business world, managed services are more critical than ever. They can...