UUID() function in MySQL

The UUID() function in MySQL generates globally unique 128-bit identifiers that are essential for distributed systems where unique values across multiple servers are required. The function returns a 36-character hexadecimal string formatted as a UUID. By using the UUID() function, developers can ensure the uniqueness of identifiers across various systems without needing a central authority. It is commonly used in database design, especially for creating primary keys that remain unique even in distributed environments. For efficient use, it's recommended to store UUIDs in the BINARY(16) format to save space and improve performance.

UUIDs in MySQL help facilitate scalability in distributed applications, making them ideal for horizontal scaling across multiple servers without ID conflicts. While UUIDs offer global uniqueness, it's important to consider performance impacts when using them as primary keys, as they are larger than traditional integers. For efficient indexing, it’s advisable to introduce some sequentiality in UUID generation. Best practices also recommend using UUIDs for unique records and integers for locally sequential data. 

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