Overview
ULID is a 128-bit identifier that combines a 48-bit timestamp and 80 random bits, producing lexicographically sortable IDs. Encoded as a 26-character string, it offers a more compact alternative to standard UUIDs (36 characters). ULIDs are ideal for distributed systems requiring unique, time-ordered identifiers without relying on centralized coordination. The package supports multiple platforms including Android, iOS, Web, macOS, Windows, and Linux.
Use cases
- Distributed system identifiers
- Time-ordered data tracking
- Database primary keys
- API request tracing
- Secure session tokens
- Log entry identification
Key features
- Lexicographically sortable
- Compact 26-character encoding
- Built-in timestamp
- High entropy with 80 random bits
- Cross-platform support
- No dependency on external services
Suitable for
- Applications needing time-ordered uniqueness
- Systems avoiding central ID generation
- High-performance databases
- Event sourcing architectures
- Microservices with decentralized ID needs
Considerations
- Not suitable for cryptographic secrets
- Requires careful handling in high-frequency scenarios
- Limited to 128-bit size constraints
- Not universally supported in legacy systems
- May require validation in strict compliance environments