UUID Validator
Check whether text uses the canonical UUID hexadecimal and hyphen layout, then report its version nibble.
Description
Check canonical UUID syntax, normalize hexadecimal case, and report the encoded version nibble.
This validator distinguishes the standard hyphenated UUID presentation from arbitrary strings. It accepts uppercase or lowercase hexadecimal digits, requires the 8-4-4-4-12 grouping, and reports a boolean result without treating an invalid candidate as a tool failure.1
When to use UUID Validator
Use it at an input boundary or during data cleanup when you need to recognize canonical UUID-shaped text before parsing or storage.
How UUID Validator works
The function applies an anchored pattern for the five hexadecimal groups. A match is lowercased and the hexadecimal character at the version position is decoded; a non-match returns valid false with blank normalized text.1
How the UUID validation function processes input
- Require 8, 4, 4, 4, and 12 hexadecimal digits separated by hyphens.
- Normalize a matching value to lowercase.
- Read the version nibble at character position 15 of the canonical representation.
- Return valid false rather than inventing fields for a malformed value.
Limitations and assumptions
- Syntax validation cannot establish uniqueness, provenance, randomness quality, or database existence.
- The validator reports the version nibble even if a future or reserved version is encountered.
- Some systems accept braces, URNs, or unhyphenated UUIDs; those non-canonical forms are intentionally rejected.
Alternative or Complementary approaches
Use UUID Parser when you need bytes and variant details. Use the v4 or v7 generator to create new canonical values.
References
-
RFC 9562: Universally Unique IDentifiers (UUIDs) — RFC Editor
Similar or alternative tools
- UUID v4 Generator
Generate random-layout UUIDs.
- UUID v7 Generator
Generate time-ordered UUIDs.
- UUID Parser
Validate or inspect a UUID using the complementary operation.