src/java/org/apache/turbine/services/uniqueid/UniqueIdService.java

package org.apache.turbine.services.uniqueid;

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 * reserved.
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 * Redistribution and use in source and binary forms, with or without
 * modification, are permitted provided that the following conditions
 * are met:
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 * 1. Redistributions of source code must retain the above copyright
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 *    if any, must include the following acknowledgment:
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 *        Apache Software Foundation (http://www.apache.org/)."
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 *    if and wherever such third-party acknowledgments normally appear.
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 * 4. The names "Apache" and "Apache Software Foundation" and
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 *
 * This software consists of voluntary contributions made by many
 * individuals on behalf of the Apache Software Foundation.  For more
 * information on the Apache Software Foundation, please see
 * <http://www.apache.org/>.
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import org.apache.turbine.services.Service;

/**
 * <p> This service provides unique identifiers for the instance of
 * Turbine, and for objects it creates.
 *
 * @author <a href="mailto:Rafal.Krzewski@e-point.pl">Rafal Krzewski</a>
 * @version $Id$
 */
public interface UniqueIdService
        extends Service
{
    String SERVICE_NAME = "UniqueIdService";

    /**
     * <p> Returs an identifer of this Turbine instance that is unique
     * both on the server and worldwide.
     *
     * @return A String with the instance identifier.
     */
    String getInstanceId();

    /**
     * <p> Returns an identifier that is unique within this turbine
     * instance, but does not have random-like apearance.
     *
     * <p> This method is intended to work fast; it can be used for
     * creating names of temporary files.
     *
     * @return A String with the non-random looking instance
     * identifier.
     * */
    String getUniqueId();

    /**
     * <p> Returns a unique identifier that looks like random data.
     *
     * <p> This method provides indentifiers in a way that makes it
     * hard to guess or count, but still ensures their uniqueness
     * within this instance of Turbine.  It can be used for generating
     * cookies or other data that travels back and forth between
     * server and browser, and is potentialy security sensitive.
     *
     * @return A String with the random looking instance identifier.
     */
    String getPseudorandomId();
}