The "uuid-ossp" library enables you to generate UUID values server-side in Postgres. http://www.postgresql.org/docs/current/static/uuid-ossp.html The technique to install this library changed as of Postgres 9.1, because of the new Extension feature. Installing and uninstalling are now easier. I have an overview on my blog, but I'm posting the brief steps here for posterity. To see what extensions are already installed in your Postgres, run this SQL: select * from pg_extension; To see if the "uuid-ossp" extension is available, run this SQL: select * from pg_available_extensions; To install/load the extension, run this SQL: CREATE EXTENSION "uuid-ossp"; I found the quote marks to be required despite the doc being contrary. Doc on loading extensions: http://www.postgresql.org/docs/current/static/sql-createextension.html My blog post on this topic: http://crafted-software.blogspot.com/2011/10/extensions-in-postgres.html To install this library in versions of Postgres before 9.1: http://crafted-software.blogspot.com/2011/10/using-uuid-library-in-postgres.html --Basil Bourque -- Sent via pgsql-general mailing list (pgsql-general@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx) To make changes to your subscription: http://www.postgresql.org/mailpref/pgsql-general