odSerial

odSerial is a lightweight, open-source command-line utility designed to retrieve and manipulate serial numbers from various operating systems. Developed primarily for Unix-like systems, it provides a simple interface for extracting hardware identifiers, including those of CPUs, motherboards, and other components. The tool is particularly useful for system administrators, developers, and users who require quick access to hardware information without relying on graphical interfaces or proprietary software.

The utility supports multiple platforms, including Linux, macOS, and BSD variants, leveraging system-specific commands to gather data. For instance, on Linux, it may query `/sys/class/dmi/id/` or parse `/proc/cpuinfo`, while on macOS, it might utilize `system_profiler` or `ioreg`. odSerial is distributed under permissive licenses, such as MIT or GPL, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of projects and minimal legal restrictions.

One of its key features is its ability to output serial numbers in structured formats, such as JSON or plain text, making it easy to integrate into scripts or automation workflows. The tool is often used in scenarios like hardware inventory management, software licensing verification, or troubleshooting. Due to its simplicity, odSerial avoids unnecessary dependencies, relying on standard system tools and libraries.

While odSerial is not a comprehensive alternative to dedicated hardware diagnostic tools, it excels in providing quick, reliable serial number extraction for common use cases. Its development community encourages contributions, and updates typically include support for newer hardware or additional platforms. For users seeking a minimalist solution, odSerial offers a practical alternative to more complex or resource-intensive alternatives.