That’s all. I just found this in a random script. Generates a random UUID every time it’s called. I didn’t know.

Of course I can also use uuidgen or pipe /dev/(u)random into something to get a random alphanumeric string - but this is built right into the kernel!

In /proc/sys/kernel/random/, there’s also boot_id which seems to do the same is static, and some tweakable parameters.

❤️🐧

    • A_norny_mousse@feddit.orgOP
      3·
      3 days ago

      When writing shell scripts that run in a loop I always look for files in /sys or /proc before using standard utilities. There’s a lot

      • /proc/mounts instead of the mount command
      • /sys/class/…/backlight to influence screen brightness
      • /sys/class/net to get info and stats about interfaces
      • …

      Someone should make a comprehensive list I guess.