The Problem With UUIDs
Josh tried coding・7 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.
Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free
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.
Related videos
Theo - t3․gg
The Problem With UUIDs
Harvard University
Advanced Algorithms (COMPSCI 224), Lecture 4
Gate Smashers
Lec-93: Why Indexing is used | Indexing Beginning | DBMS
Gate Smashers
Lec-94: Numerical Example on I/O Cost in Indexing | Part-1 | DBMS
Web Dev Cody
This is why understanding database concurrency control is important
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.
