Question 1

How do I use Nano ID with React Native?

Accepted Answer

Install and import the react-native-get-random-values polyfill before Nano ID to enable hardware random generation, as React Native lacks built-in support. This ensures secure IDs in mobile environments, but adds an extra dependency.

Question 2

Nano ID vs UUID: which is better for my project?

Accepted Answer

Nano ID is better for modern web apps due to smaller size, URL-friendliness, and often better performance, while UUID is preferred for strict compatibility with systems expecting the standard 36-character format. Nano ID also offers more customization options.

Question 3

How to generate custom alphabet IDs with Nano ID?

Accepted Answer

Use the customAlphabet function to specify your alphabet and default size, like customAlphabet('1234567890abcdef', 10). This returns a function that generates IDs of that length, and you can adjust size per call if needed.

Question 4

Is Nano ID secure enough for session tokens or API keys?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Nano ID uses cryptographically secure random generators, making it suitable for security-sensitive applications. However, ensure you use appropriate ID lengths and consider additional factors like expiration for tokens.

Question 5

Can Nano ID be used in databases like MongoDB or PostgreSQL?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Nano ID generates URL-friendly strings that work well as primary keys. For databases like PouchDB/CouchDB, avoid underscores at the start by adding a prefix, as mentioned in the README.

Question 6

What's the collision probability with Nano ID's default settings?

Accepted Answer

With 21 characters, the collision probability is extremely low—similar to UUID v4. For precise calculations, use the online ID size calculator linked in the README to adjust for custom alphabets or sizes.

nanoid

What is nanoid?

Overview

Use Cases

Best For

Related Projects

Found a gem we're missing?

Not Ideal For

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

Frequently Asked Questions