<alternative exemplar> When I implemented the Leader-Follower thread pattern described by Schmidt, et al in Pattern-Oriented Software Architecture, I couldn't figure out a way around comparing the thread id to the current leader in the promote_new_leader function. Probably lack of imagination and/or experience on my part, but having the thread id sure made it easier.
If all you need is comparisons, the boost::thread class provides this today. That's why I wanted specific requirements for a thread id. Currently the things a thread id can provide that thread does not, AFAIK, are the following: * Can be copied. * Can be turned into a unique string for printing/etc. These features will be accounted for, I just need to be sure these are the only features missing. William E. Kempf