this post was submitted on 24 May 2025
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cat /proc/sys/kernel/random/uuid [I ❤️ Linux] (feddit.org)
submitted 3 days ago* (last edited 2 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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[–] Redjard@lemmy.dbzer0.com 16 points 3 days ago (2 children)

boot_id seems to be static, probably set at boot.
So don't use it for a random uuid.

[–] nibbler@discuss.tchncs.de 4 points 2 days ago

it's fine as long as you reboot before each call

[–] A_norny_mousse@feddit.org 1 points 2 days ago

Oops you’re correct. Editing OP.