---
title: "What is Identity?"  
description: "What is Identity?"  
author: "Chris Anderson"  
published: 2011-08-12  
updated: 2020-09-17  
canonical: https://www.mindstick.com/interview/1145/what-is-identity  
category: "mssql server"  
tags: ["mssql server"]  
reading_time: 1 minute  

---

# What is Identity?

**Identity (or AutoNumber)** is a column that automatically generates numeric values. A start and increment value can be set, but most DBA leave these at 1. A GUID column also generates numbers; the value of this cannot be controlled. Identity/GUID columns do not need to be indexed.

## Answers

### Answer by Amit Singh

Creates an identity column in a table. This property is used with the CREATE TABLE & ALTER TABLE Transact-SQL statements.

### Answer by Chris Anderson

**Identity (or AutoNumber)** is a column that automatically generates numeric values. A start and increment value can be set, but most DBA leave these at 1. A GUID column also generates numbers; the value of this cannot be controlled. Identity/GUID columns do not need to be indexed.


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Original Source: https://www.mindstick.com/interview/1145/what-is-identity

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