tsql - Most efficient way to store a GUID value in SQL Server database

Question

Say, if I need to store non-repeating GUID values (something like {AB50C41E-3814-4533-8F68-A691B4DA9043}) in the SQL Server database, what is the most efficient way to define the column to store it? (i.e. as string, a blob, or convert it into a 16-byte integer.)

PS. The column must be defined as an INDEX and be UNIQUE.

question from:https://stackoverflow.com/questions/8676504/most-efficient-way-to-store-a-guid-value-in-sql-server-database

Answer 1

• Use the uniqueidentifier data type which is designed for GUIDs
  For example, they will sort like GUIDs should
• Create a UNIQUE index on it (more flexible than a unique constraint

Note, these are 2 separate steps