The Problem With UUIDs
Josh tried coding・2 minutes read
Using UUIDs in a database can lead to slower insert performance due to index updates and higher storage utilization, as UUIDs consume 128 bits compared to 32 bits for an auto-incrementing integer. Despite consistent query times, the choice between integer, collision-resistant unique identifier, and UUID mainly influences storage size and readability rather than query performance.
Insights
- Using UUIDs in a database can lead to slower insert performance due to the index update process, potentially causing delays in rebalancing the tree structure.
- While query times are consistent across different key types, the storage utilization of UUIDs is significantly higher compared to auto-incrementing integers, with UUIDs consuming 128 bits per value, leading to larger storage requirements.
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Recent questions
What are the main issues with using UUIDs in a database?
The main issues with using UUIDs in a database are insert performance problems and higher storage utilization.
How does the insert performance problem arise when using UUIDs in a database?
The insert performance problem arises from the need to update the index associated with the primary key when a new record is inserted, potentially causing delays in rebalancing the tree structure.
Why is higher storage utilization a concern when using UUIDs in a database?
Higher storage utilization is a concern when using UUIDs in a database because an auto-incrementing integer consumes 32 bits per value, while a UUID can consume 128 bits, leading to significantly larger storage requirements.
What is the difference in storage needs for tables with 1 million rows using different key types?
For tables with 1 million rows, the integer table requires 64 MB, the collision-resistant unique identifier table requires 105 MB, and the UUID table requires 146 MB, showcasing the substantial difference in storage needs.
How does the choice between integer, collision-resistant unique identifier, and UUID impact database query performance?
The choice between integer, collision-resistant unique identifier, and UUID primarily impacts storage size and readability rather than query performance, as query times remain consistent across different key types at around 12.5 milliseconds.
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Summary
00:00
"UUIDs in Database: Performance and Storage"
- Article discusses the problems of using UUIDs in a database, focusing on two main issues: insert performance and higher storage utilization.
- Insert performance problem arises from the need to update the index associated with the primary key when a new record is inserted, potentially causing delays in rebalancing the tree structure.
- Higher storage utilization is highlighted, with an auto-incrementing integer consuming 32 bits per value, while a UUID can consume 128 bits, leading to significantly larger storage requirements.
- Comparison of table sizes for 1 million rows shows the integer table at 64 MB, the collision-resistant unique identifier at 105 MB, and the UUID at 146 MB, showcasing the substantial difference in storage needs.
- Query times remain consistent across different key types, around 12.5 milliseconds, emphasizing that the choice between integer, collision-resistant unique identifier, and UUID primarily impacts storage size and readability rather than query performance.
