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cat /proc/sys/kernel/random/uuid [I ❤️ Linux] (feddit.org)

submitted 5 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago) by A_norny_mousse@feddit.org to c/linux@programming.dev

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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.

❤️🐧

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[-] A_norny_mousse@feddit.org 3 points 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.

this post was submitted on 24 May 2025

117 points (97.6% liked)

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