Re: [boost] [uuid] uuid::create() function

From: Matthias Troyer (troyer_at_[hidden])
Date: 2007-06-12 04:05:13

On Jun 4, 2007, at 7:18 PM, Andy wrote:

> Other than the current approach (which I agree is not acceptable),  
> I see
> 6 alternatives to the uuid::create() function.  I believe all of them
> have been mentioned before.
>
> ...
> 5.  Create a function object (that has the random number generator  
> as a
> member) that produces uuids. Is this too complicated?
> i.e.:
> class uuid_generator {
> public:
>   uuid_generator() {
>     engine.seed(get_seed());
>   }
>   uuid operator() const;
> private:
>   Engine& engine;
> };
> ...
>

In order to allow users with special needs full control, the ability  
to provide an engine to create is essential to have - at least as one  
option. I'm thinking of 100'000+-node BlueGene machines and planned  
new 1'000'000+ -CPU 10-petaflop machines. Getting good UUIDs on such  
machines might need special considerations, and by having the option  
to pass an engine these could be taken care of.

Matthias