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In this blog, we will learn how to create GUID in SharePoint Online lists using Power Automate Flow. The GUID value is an important aspect when we try to create a new column using the create field as XML method. Before getting into the article, we will understand what a GUID is in a SharePoint Online List or Document Library.
What is GUID in SharePoint Online List or Document Library?
In SharePoint Online, a GUID (Globally Unique Identifier) is a unique identifier associated with various elements within a SharePoint site, including lists and document libraries. GUIDs are used to ensure the uniqueness and unambiguous identification of these objects within SharePoint.
Here’s a detailed explanation of GUIDs in SharePoint Online, specifically regarding lists and document libraries:
Unique Identification:
- A GUID is a 128-bit hexadecimal value, typically represented as a string of 36 characters, such as 123e4567-e89b-12d3-a456-426655440000.
- GUIDs are globally unique, meaning that the probability of two GUIDs being the same is extremely low, making them suitable for uniquely identifying objects in a distributed and interconnected system like SharePoint Online.
Role of GUIDs in SharePoint Online Lists and Document Libraries:
- Each list and document library created in SharePoint Online is assigned a unique GUID upon creation.
- The GUID serves as a distinct identifier for that specific list or library within the SharePoint site or site collection where it resides.
- SharePoint relies on these GUIDs internally to maintain referential integrity, ensuring that it can accurately locate and manage objects across the platform.
Use Cases for GUIDs in SharePoint Online:
- Unambiguous References: GUIDs are used to reference and identify lists and libraries in various SharePoint features and customizations. For instance, when configuring workflows, setting permissions, creating custom solutions, or applying custom branding, you might need to specify the target list or library using its GUID.
- Migration and Backup: GUIDs play a crucial role in SharePoint migration and backup processes. When moving content or entire SharePoint sites, the use of GUIDs ensures that objects are correctly identified and preserved in the destination environment, maintaining their associations and relationships.
- REST and CSOM APIs: When developing custom solutions or scripts using SharePoint’s REST (Representational State Transfer) or CSOM (Client-Side Object Model) APIs, you often need to use GUIDs to interact with and manipulate lists and libraries programmatically.
- Site Customization: For advanced site customization and branding, you may use GUIDs to customize the appearance and behavior of specific lists or libraries, ensuring that your changes are applied to the correct targets.
Locating the GUID for a List or Library:
You can find the GUID for a list or library in SharePoint Online through various means:
- Site Settings: Navigate to the settings of the list or library using the SharePoint web interface, and you may find the GUID in the URL or in the list/library settings.
- PowerShell: You can use PowerShell scripts to retrieve the GUID for a list or library programmatically.
- APIs: SharePoint’s REST and CSOM APIs also provide methods to fetch the GUID of a list or library.
GUIDs in SharePoint Online serve as unique identifiers for lists and document libraries, ensuring that these objects can be accurately referenced, managed, and customized across the SharePoint environment. They are fundamental to maintaining data integrity, especially during migrations and custom development efforts.
Create GUID in SharePoint Online Using Power Automate
By now, we have learned what a GUID is in SharePoint Online; now let’s create the GUID value using Power Automate. This is a very simple step.
Just add a compose data operation action to your flow.
From the expression tab, select guid() and assign it to the compose data operation action; that’s it.
Now, let’s run the flow; we will see a new GUID value.
Note:
- The newly created GUID created using Power Automate can be used in the rest of the actions wherever it is needed based on your requirements.
Summary: What we had here (Create GUID in SharePoint Online)?
Thus, in this blog, we have learned what a GUID is in SharePoint Online and how to create a GUID value using the Power Automate flow. You may even generate GUID online free using the Online GUID / UUID Generator.
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