path: root/spec/README.md

# UGI: Unified Geek Identifier

**Version: 0 (Draft) · 2026-03-28 · MIT License**

---
## Overview

A compact, URI-safe self-description code for geeks. Encodes identity, skills, interests, and opinions into a single string suitable for bios, email signatures, and URIs.

It descends from two predecessors:

- [Geek Code](https://sig.codes/geek/) by Robert A. Hayden (1993-1996), with its [Geek Code 4.0+](https://sig.codes/geek-4.0/) by exarobibliologist (2019-2026)
- [Hacker Key](https://sig.codes/hacker-key/) by Chris Allegretta (2003-2006)

UGI takes the cultural breadth of the Geek Code, the numeric compactness of the Hacker Key, and adds URI safety, modern fields, and extensibility.

### Design goals

1. Single-letter field codes: 24 active, 2 reserved
2. Octal (0-7) rating scale
3. URI-safe characters only, no percent-encoding needed
4. Dual format: URI for machines, block for humans
5. Case-insensitive
6. Extensible via `~` custom sub-IDs

---
## Formats

### URI

```
ugi:<version>[/<revision>]@<handle>:<field>,<field>,...
```

### Block

```
------- BEGIN UGI BLOCK -------
v:<version>[/<revision>] @<handle> [G<geek_types>]
<field> <field> ...
-------- END UGI BLOCK --------
```

In block format, field codes are repeated per sub-ID for readability: `Ppy6 Prs5` instead of `ppy6rs5`. Long-form sub-ID aliases (noted in registries) are permitted in block format.

### Conversion

Block → URI: remove header/footer, merge repeated field codes, replace spaces with commas, prepend `ugi:`.

URI → Block: split on commas, expand merged sub-IDs by repeating field codes, add header/footer.

No modifier or character changes are needed; both formats use identical symbols.

### Mandatory fields

`@handle` and `g` (geek type) are required. All others are optional.

---
## Grammar

```
<field_code><sub_id><digit>[<modifier>]...
```

- **Field codes**: single letter (a-z), case-insensitive
- **Sub-IDs**: 1-4 lowercase alpha chars
- **Ratings**: single octal digit (0-7), required on every sub-ID
- **Custom sub-IDs**: `~` prefix: `~fermenting5`
- **Modifiers**: after the digit:
  - `$`: paid
  - `+` followed by digit: aspiring toward that level
  - `$+` combined: paid and aspiring
- **Alternatives**: `/` between two digits on direct-value fields: `c3/6`

### Special formats

| Field | Format | Example |
|---|---|---|
| `g` geek type | `/` separates domains, `~` for custom, `$` for paid, no ratings | `gcs$/ai/wr~fermenting` |
| `b` build | `<height>/<width>` | `b6/3` |
| `l` languages | ISO 639-1 code + rating | `lar7en6` |
| `v` politics | `<social>/<economic>` | `v5/3` |

### Parser algorithm

After each comma or space, read a single letter (field code). Then:

- `g` → read alpha tokens separated by `/` and `~`-prefixed tokens until delimiter
- `b` → digit, `/`, digit
- `v` → digit, `/`, digit
- `l` → repeat: 2 alpha + digit + optional modifier
- `r` → one sub-id + digit (single value only)
- direct fields → digit + optional modifier
- direct-alt fields → digit + optional `/` + digit + optional modifier
- multi fields → repeat: alpha (sub-id) + digit + optional modifier

---
## Rating scale (0–7)

| Value | General | Proficiency | Enthusiasm | Stance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Hostile / opposed | Can't, won't | Despise | Strongly against |
| 1 | Strong dislike | Aware it exists | Avoid actively | Against |
| 2 | Dislike / minimal | Dabbled briefly | Not interested | Lean against |
| 3 | Slight negative | Beginner | Cold | Slightly against |
| 4 | Baseline / neutral | Average | Take or leave | No opinion |
| 5 | Moderate positive | Competent | Enjoy | Lean toward |
| 6 | Strong positive | Advanced / daily | Enthusiast | Support |
| 7 | Obsessed / defining | Master / creator | Life-defining | Evangelist |
### Modifier permissions

| Modifiers | Fields |
|---|---|
| `$` and `+` | `f` `j` `l` `o` `p` `q` `w` `y` `z` |
| `$` only | `g` |
| `+` only | `b` `c` `d` `e` `h` `k` `s` |
| Neither | `a` `i` `m` `r` `t` `v` `x` |

---
## Field list

| Code | Field | Type | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| `a` | Age | Direct | Identity |
| `b` | Build | Special (h/w) | Appearance |
| `c` | Clothing | Direct, `/` ok | Appearance |
| `d` | Editor / IDE | Multi | Tech |
| `e` | Education | Direct | Identity |
| `f` | Food / Cooking | Direct | Lifestyle |
| `g` | Geek Specialization | Special | Identity |
| `h` | Hair | Multi (1-letter) | Appearance |
| `i` | AI Stance | Direct | Stance |
| `j` | Gaming | Multi | Entertainment |
| `k` | Books | Direct | Entertainment |
| `l` | Spoken Languages | Multi (ISO) | Identity |
| `m` | Music | Multi | Entertainment |
| `n` | *(reserved)* | - | - |
| `o` | Operating System | Multi | Tech |
| `p` | Programming Languages | Multi | Tech |
| `q` | Security / Hacking | Direct, `/` ok | Tech |
| `r` | Religion | Single | Stance |
| `s` | Sex / Relationships | Direct, `/` ok | Lifestyle |
| `t` | TV / Film | Multi | Entertainment |
| `u` | *(reserved)* | - | - |
| `v` | Politics | Special (s/e) | Stance |
| `w` | Hardware | Direct | Tech |
| `x` | Comics / Manga | Multi | Entertainment |
| `y` | Fitness | Direct | Lifestyle |
| `z` | Maker / DIY | Direct | Lifestyle |

---
## Field definitions

---

### a: Age

0. **Under 10**: Still loading. Baby Shark has more life experience.
1. **10-14**: Old enough for Linux opinions, too young to drive to the meetup.
2. **15-19**: Convinced you know everything. Might be right about the tech stuff.
3. **20-24**: Student loans arrived but so has 3am pizza freedom.
4. **25-34**: Peak earning-to-caring ratio. GitHub green, back complaining.
5. **35-49**: You remember dial-up noises. Kids ask what a floppy disk is.
6. **50-64**: You were there when it happened. All of it.
7. **65+**: Living legend. Your software runs on OSes born decades after you.

---

### b: Build

Format: `b<height>/<width>`. Each 0–7. 0 = extremely small, 4 = average, 7 = extremely large. `+` modifier permitted.

**Height:** 0 = Extremely short · 1 = Very short · 2 = Short · 3 = Below average · 4 = Average · 5 = Above average · 6 = Tall · 7 = Extremely tall

**Width:** 0 = Extremely thin · 1 = Very thin · 2 = Slim · 3 = Below average · 4 = Average · 5 = Above average · 6 = Broad · 7 = Extremely broad

> `b6/3`: tall and slim.
> `b4/4`: average. Chairs were designed for you.

---

### c: Clothing

0. **Nudist**: Quite a fashion statement.
1. **Punk**: Safety pins are load-bearing.
2. **Political tees**: Your shirts have opinions so you don't have to.
3. **Jeans & tee**: Universal geek uniform. You own seven identical shirts.
4. **Average**: Inoffensive. Forgettable. Exactly as intended.
5. **Smart casual**: You've mastered the blazer-over-tee.
6. **Formal**: You iron things. On purpose.
7. **Suit daily**: CEO, lawyer, or cosplaying as one.

---

### d: Editor / IDE

The editor holy war, now quantified.

| Short | (Long) | Name | Short | (Long) | Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| `vi` | `(vim)` | Vim / Neovim | `em` | `(emacs)` | Emacs |
| `vs` | `(vscode)` | VS Code | `ij` | `(idea)` | IntelliJ / JetBrains |
| `xc` | `(xcode)` | Xcode | `vt` | `(vstudio)` | Visual Studio |
| `ed` | - | ed | `na` | `(nano)` | nano / pico |
| `su` | `(sublime)` | Sublime Text | `ec` | `(eclipse)` | Eclipse |
| `np` | `(npp)` | Notepad++ | `hx` | `(helix)` | Helix |
| `ze` | `(zed)` | Zed | `ka` | `(kakoune)` | Kakoune |
| `lp` | `(lapce)` | Lapce | `at` | `(atom)` | Atom |
| `nv` | `(nvchad)` | NvChad / LazyVim | | | |

Scale: **proficiency** (see global scale table).

> 0: Opened it by accident, couldn't close it.
> 7: The editor is an extension of my nervous system.

---

### e: Education

0. **None / primary**: School of life. And YouTube.
1. **Middle school**: Survived. Emotionally, jury's still out.
2. **High school**: They said best years. They lied.
3. **Trade / associates**: You can actually do things, unlike philosophy majors.
4. **Bachelors**: Four years and paper that cost more than your car.
5. **Masters**: First degree wasn't enough to convince anyone.
6. **PhD**: Call me Doctor. Especially at parties.
7. **Post-doc**: Forgotten what sunlight looks like.

---

### f: Food / Cooking

0. **Microwave only**: Smoke detector is your kitchen timer.
1. **Boils water**: Sometimes remembers to turn off stove.
2. **Basic meals**: Eggs and pasta. The two food groups.
3. **Follows recipes**: To the letter. Substitution is heresy.
4. **Home cook**: Friends don't dread your dinner invitations.
5. **Experiments**: Sometimes works. You pretend you planned it.
6. **Hosts dinners**: Spice rack has subdivisions.
7. **Chef level**: Own a mandoline, all fingers intact.

---

### g: Geek Specialization

Mandatory. `/` separates domains. `~` prefixes custom domains. `$` after a domain = paid. No ratings.

#### Computing & Tech

| Code | Domain | Code | Domain |
|---|---|---|---|
| `cs` | Computer Science | `ai` | Artificial Intelligence |
| `ml` | Machine Learning | `cy` | Cybersecurity |
| `ds` | Data Science | `bc` | Blockchain |
| `io` | Internet of Things | `qc` | Quantum Computing |
| `vr` | Virtual Reality | `os` | Operating Systems |
| `dv` | DevOps | `ap` | API Development |
| `cl` | Cloud Infrastructure | `eg` | Edge Computing |
| `sc` | Ethical Hacking | `ux` | User Experience |
| `wp` | Web Performance | `db` | Databases |
| `em` | Embedded Systems | `fp` | Functional Programming |
| `nx` | Networking | `cv` | Computer Vision |
| `nl` | NLP / Comp. Linguistics | `cr` | Cryptography |

#### Science & Medicine

| Code | Domain | Code | Domain |
|---|---|---|---|
| `bi` | Biology | `cm` | Chemistry |
| `ph` | Physics | `md` | Medicine |
| `nr` | Neuroscience | `ev` | Environmental |
| `fs` | Forensics | `fd` | Food Science |
| `as` | Astronomy | `gl` | Geology |
| `bt` | Biotech | `gn` | Genetics |

#### Engineering & Making

| Code | Domain | Code | Domain |
|---|---|---|---|
| `ee` | Electrical Eng. | `me` | Mechanical Eng. |
| `rb` | Robotics | `dy` | DIY / Maker |
| `tp` | 3D Printing | `ar` | Arduino |
| `ce` | Civil Eng. | `ae` | Aerospace Eng. |
| `am` | Additive Mfg. | `ct` | Control Systems |

#### Academic & Humanities

| Code | Domain | Code | Domain |
|---|---|---|---|
| `mt` | Mathematics | `pl` | Philosophy |
| `ed` | Education | `lb` | Library Science |
| `lw` | Law | `ss` | Social Science |
| `py` | Psychology | `cg` | Cognitive Science |
| `li` | Linguistics | `hs` | History |
| `an` | Anthropology | `ec` | Economics |

#### Art & Design

| Code | Domain | Code | Domain |
|---|---|---|---|
| `gd` | Graphic Design | `ad` | Animation |
| `fa` | Fine Arts | `mu` | Music |
| `pa` | Performing Arts | `sr` | Screenwriting |
| `tw` | Tech Writing | `wr` | Writing |
| `vd` | Game Design | `pg` | Photography |
| `tx` | Textile Arts | `ty` | Typography |

#### Business & Comms

`bz` Business · `mk` Marketing · `gv` Government · `lo` Logistics · `qa` QA · `pm` Project Mgmt · `hr` HR

#### Culture & Society

`mm` Memes · `fn` Fandom · `pp` Pop Culture · `gn` Gender Studies · `al` Alt Lifestyles

#### Games & Media

`rp` RPG · `sm` Streaming · `pd` Podcasting · `cw` Cosplay

#### Futurism

`ax` Aerospace · `ft` Futurism · `ali` Alien Theories · `tr` Transhumanism

#### Custom

`~fermenting` `~beekeeping` `~lockpicking` `~origami`. Anything goes.

> `gcs$/ai/wr~fermenting`: paid CS geek, also into AI, writing, and fermenting.

---

### h: Hair

| Short | Name |
|---|---|
| `h` | Head |
| `f` | Face / beard |
| `b` | Brows |
| `m` | Mustache |
| `s` | Sideburns |

0. **Alopecia**
1. **Shaved**
2. **Stubble**
3. **Below average**
4. **Average**
5. **Above average**
6. **Impressive**
7. **Sasquatch**

---

### i: AI Stance

0. **Butlerian Jihadist**: Would unplug every GPU on earth.
1. **Strongly opposed**: 'No AI' in bio, code, and dating profile.
2. **Skeptical**: Prefer human-authored everything.
3. **Cautious**: Ethics papers keep you up at night.
4. **Neutral tool**: Like a hammer. No opinions about hammers.
5. **Positive**: Copilot saved 20 minutes today.
6. **Enthusiast**: Cyborg partnership workflow.
7. **Singularity evangelist**: Grocery list is AI-generated.

---

### j: Gaming

**Genre:**

| Short | (Long) | Name | Short | (Long) | Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| `rp` | `(rpg)` | RPG | `fp` | `(fps)` | Shooter |
| `st` | `(str)` | Strategy | `pz` | `(pzl)` | Puzzle |
| `si` | `(sim)` | Simulation | `mm` | `(mmo)` | MMO |
| `ad` | `(adv)` | Adventure | `sp` | `(spo)` | Sports |
| `mb` | `(mba)` | Metroidvania | `ro` | `(rog)` | Roguelike |
| `su` | `(surv)` | Survival | `sa` | `(sand)` | Sandbox |
| `rr` | `(race)` | Racing | `fi` | `(fight)` | Fighting |
| `ho` | `(horror)` | Horror | | | |

**Platform:**

| Short | (Long) | Name | Short | (Long) | Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| `pc` | - | PC | `ps` | - | PlayStation |
| `xb` | `(xbox)` | Xbox | `ns` | `(switch)` | Switch |
| `mo` | `(mobile)` | Mobile | `re` | `(retro)` | Retro |
| `vr` | - | VR | `sd` | `(steamdeck)` | Steam Deck |

**Tabletop:**

| Short | (Long) | Name | Short | (Long) | Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| `dn` | `(dnd)` | D&D | `pf` | `(path)` | Pathfinder |
| `cc` | `(coc)` | Call of Cthulhu | `sr` | - | Shadowrun |
| `wo` | `(wod)` | World of Darkness | `ft` | `(fate)` | Fate |
| `gu` | `(gurps)` | GURPS | `bg` | - | Board games |
| `mt` | `(mtg)` | Magic: TG | `wh` | - | Warhammer |

Scale: **enthusiasm** (see global scale table).

> 0: Video games are a waste of time.
> 7: People disconnect when they see your name.

---

### k: Books

0. **Illiterate by choice**: Words are tiny drawings that haven't tried hard enough.
1. **Not since school**: Didn't finish that one either.
2. **Web only**: You call this 'reading.'
3. **Occasional**: Mostly when trapped on a plane.
4. **Few/year**: Goodreads updated sporadically.
5. **Regular**: To-read pile doubles as furniture.
6. **Avid**: Library cards from multiple jurisdictions.
7. **Book/week**: Shelves have shelves. Read this spec for fun.

---

### l: Spoken Languages

ISO 639-1 codes + proficiency 0–7. `$` and `+` permitted.

0. **None**
1. **Few words**
2. **Tourist**
3. **Beginner**
4. **Conversational**
5. **Proficient**
6. **Fluent**
7. **Native**

Common codes: `en` English · `es` Spanish · `fr` French · `de` German · `zh` Chinese · `ar` Arabic · `ja` Japanese · `ko` Korean · `pt` Portuguese · `ru` Russian · `hi` Hindi · `it` Italian · `nl` Dutch · `sv` Swedish · `tr` Turkish · `pl` Polish · `uk` Ukrainian · `fa` Farsi · `he` Hebrew · `th` Thai · `vi` Vietnamese · `id` Indonesian · `ms` Malay · `sw` Swahili · `bn` Bengali · `ta` Tamil

> `lar7$en6de3+5`: native Arabic (paid translator), fluent English, learning German (beginner, aspiring proficient).

---

### m: Music

| Short | (Long) | Name | Short | (Long) | Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| `rk` | `(rock)` | Rock | `mt` | `(metal)` | Metal |
| `pk` | `(punk)` | Punk | `jz` | `(jazz)` | Jazz |
| `bl` | `(blues)` | Blues | `fk` | `(folk)` | Folk |
| `cl` | `(clas)` | Classical | `el` | `(elec)` | Electronic |
| `hp` | `(hip)` | Hip-hop | `pp` | `(pop)` | Pop |
| `rb` | `(rnb)` | R&B | `cn` | `(coun)` | Country |
| `ab` | `(amb)` | Ambient | `pg` | `(prog)` | Progressive |
| `rg` | `(reg)` | Reggae | `in` | `(ind)` | Indie |
| `sl` | `(soul)` | Soul | `lt` | `(lat)` | Latin |
| `wr` | `(wrld)` | World | `dk` | `(dnb)` | Drum & Bass |
| `tr` | `(trap)` | Trap | `lo` | `(lofi)` | Lo-fi |
| `sy` | `(synth)` | Synthwave | `go` | `(gospel)` | Gospel |
| `op` | `(opera)` | Opera | `ga` | `(garage)` | Garage |

Scale: **enthusiasm** (see global scale table).

> 0: This genre is an assault on sound.
> 7: This genre IS your personality.

---

### o: Operating System

**Linux (x prefix):**

| Short | (Long) | Name | Short | (Long) | Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| `xa` | `(xarch)` | Arch | `xd` | `(xdeb)` | Debian |
| `xu` | `(xubu)` | Ubuntu | `xm` | `(xmint)` | Mint |
| `xp` | `(xpop)` | Pop!_OS | `xf` | `(xfed)` | Fedora |
| `xr` | `(xrh)` | Red Hat | `xc` | `(xcent)` | CentOS/Alma/Rocky |
| `xs` | `(xsuse)` | OpenSUSE | `xg` | `(xgen)` | Gentoo |
| `xj` | `(xmanj)` | Manjaro | `xsl` | `(xslk)` | Slackware |
| `xn` | `(xnix)` | NixOS | `xk` | `(xkali)` | Kali |
| `xv` | `(xvoid)` | Void | `xz` | `(xzor)` | Zorin |
| `xx` | `(xmx)` | MX Linux | `xt` | `(xtail)` | Tails |
| `xq` | `(xqube)` | Qubes | `xl` | `(xlfs)` | LFS |
| `xe` | `(xelem)` | Elementary | `xw` | `(xwsl)` | WSL |
| `xi` | `(ximmut)` | Immutable | `xb` | `(xbedrock)` | Bedrock |

**BSD:**
`fb` FreeBSD · `ob` OpenBSD · `nb` NetBSD · `db` DragonflyBSD

**Windows:**

| Short | (Long) | Name | Short | (Long) | Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| `wt` | `(wten)` | Windows 10 | `we` | `(welv)` | Windows 11 |
| `ws` | `(wsrv)` | Win Server | | | |

**Mac:**

| Short | (Long) | Name | Short | (Long) | Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| `mc` | `(mac)` | macOS | | | |

**Mobile:**

| Short | (Long) | Name | Short | (Long) | Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| `an` | `(android)` | Android | `io` | `(ios)` | iOS |
| `pm` | `(pmos)` | postmarketOS | `li` | `(lineage)` | LineageOS |

**Other:**

| Short | (Long) | Name | Short | (Long) | Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| `sl` | `(sol)` | Solaris | `ax` | `(aix)` | AIX |
| `ch` | `(chrome)` | ChromeOS | `ha` | `(haiku)` | Haiku |
| `tm` | `(temple)` | TempleOS | `se` | `(serenity)` | SerenityOS |
| `rx` | `(redox)` | Redox | `pl` | `(plan9)` | Plan 9 |

Scale: **proficiency** (see global scale table).

> 0: Would mass-format every drive running this.
> 7: You ARE the sysadmin. First person plural.

---

### p: Programming Languages

| Short | (Long) | Name | Short | (Long) | Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| `py` | `(python)` | Python | `rs` | `(rust)` | Rust |
| `c` | - | C | `cp` | `(cpp)` | C++ |
| `cs` | `(csharp)` | C# | `jv` | `(java)` | Java |
| `kt` | `(kotlin)` | Kotlin | `sw` | `(swift)` | Swift |
| `ph` | `(php)` | PHP | `pl` | `(perl)` | Perl |
| `lu` | `(lua)` | Lua | `hs` | `(haskell)` | Haskell |
| `cj` | `(clj)` | Clojure | `er` | `(erlang)` | Erlang |
| `ex` | `(elixir)` | Elixir | `sc` | `(scala)` | Scala |
| `jl` | `(julia)` | Julia | `r` | - | R |
| `m` | `(matlab)` | MATLAB | `zg` | `(zig)` | Zig |
| `ni` | `(nim)` | Nim | `as` | `(asm)` | Assembly |
| `sq` | `(sql)` | SQL | `ba` | `(bash)` | Bash |
| `ps` | `(psh)` | PowerShell | `vb` | - | Visual Basic |
| `da` | `(dart)` | Dart | `oc` | `(objc)` | Obj-C |
| `ls` | `(lisp)` | Lisp | `js` | - | JavaScript |
| `ts` | - | TypeScript | `go` | - | Go |
| `rb` | `(ruby)` | Ruby | `ml` | `(ocaml)` | OCaml |
| `fs` | `(fsharp)` | F# | `pr` | `(prolog)` | Prolog |
| `co` | `(cobol)` | COBOL | `fo` | `(fortran)` | Fortran |
| `gd` | `(gdscript)` | GDScript | `vl` | `(vhdl)` | VHDL |
| `sv` | `(sysv)` | SystemVerilog | `cr` | `(crystal)` | Crystal |
| `hy` | `(hylang)` | Hy | `rk` | `(racket)` | Racket |
| `tc` | `(tcl)` | Tcl | `aw` | `(awk)` | AWK |
| `sd` | `(sed)` | sed | `wm` | `(wasm)` | WASM |

Scale: **proficiency** (see global scale table).

> 0: Mass-produced negative opinions without writing a line.
> 7: You ARE the language. People cite your blog posts.

---

### q: Security / Hacking

0. **No security**: Password is 'password'. Click every link.
1. **Don't care**: Firewalls are a construction thing.
2. **Default passwords**: Pet name plus birth year. Reused everywhere.
3. **Basic awareness**: Know phishing is bad. Fallen for it once.
4. **Password manager**: Normal human security.
5. **2FA everywhere**: Judge friends' passwords.
6. **Encrypts everything**: Paranoid but justified.
7. **Tinfoil hat**: NSA has a file but can't read it either.

---

### r: Religion

**Single value only**: one tradition + devoutness rating. Parser rejects multiple sub-IDs.

| Short | (Long) | Name | Short | (Long) | Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| `ch` | `(chr)` | Christian | `is` | `(isl)` | Islam |
| `ju` | `(jud)` | Judaism | `hi` | `(hin)` | Hindu |
| `bu` | `(bud)` | Buddhist | `sk` | `(sik)` | Sikh |
| `pg` | `(pag)` | Pagan | `de` | `(dei)` | Deist |
| `ag` | `(agn)` | Agnostic | `at` | `(ath)` | Atheist |
| `pn` | `(pan)` | Pantheist | `sp` | `(spi)` | Spiritual |
| `zo` | `(zor)` | Zoroastrian | `ja` | `(jain)` | Jain |
| `ta` | `(tao)` | Taoist | `sh` | `(shin)` | Shinto |
| `ba` | `(bah)` | Bahá'í | `dr` | `(druz)` | Druze |

Rating = devoutness: 0 = Hostile, 4 = Cultural, 7 = Clergy-level.

> `ris6`: devout Muslim. `rath4`: culturally atheist.

---

### s: Sex / Relationships

0. **Celibate**: Made your peace.
1. **Not active (unwilling)**: Dating profile is unrewarded effort.
2. **Not active**: 'Focusing on yourself.' Friends skeptical.
3. **Complicated**: Status requires a flowchart.
4. **Private**: None of your business.
5. **Dating**: At least two dating apps.
6. **Partnered**: Found someone who tolerates your geekery.
7. **Married w/ kids**: Evidence is small, loud, doesn't sleep.

---

### t: TV / Film

**Sci-Fi:**

| Short | (Long) | Name | Short | (Long) | Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| `st` | `(trek)` | Star Trek | `sw` | `(wars)` | Star Wars |
| `sg` | `(gate)` | Stargate | `ex` | `(exp)` | Expanse |
| `bs` | `(bsg)` | Battlestar | `bb` | `(bab)` | Babylon 5 |
| `ff` | - | Firefly | `du` | `(dune)` | Dune |
| `fn` | `(fnd)` | Foundation | `dw` | `(drwho)` | Doctor Who |
| `tb` | `(tbp)` | 3 Body Problem | `si` | `(silo)` | Silo |
| `fa` | `(fall)` | Fallout | `al` | `(alien)` | Alien |
| `bd` | `(blade)` | Blade Runner | `or` | `(orville)` | Orville |

**Fantasy:**

| Short | (Long) | Name | Short | (Long) | Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| `go` | `(got)` | Game of Thrones | `wo` | `(wot)` | Wheel of Time |
| `ro` | `(rop)` | Rings of Power | `wi` | `(wit)` | Witcher |
| `sn` | `(sand)` | Sandman | | | |

**Other:**

| Short | (Long) | Name | Short | (Long) | Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| `mp` | `(monty)` | Monty Python | `bt` | `(bbt)` | Big Bang Theory |
| `rm` | - | Rick & Morty | `bl` | - | Black Mirror |
| `sv` | `(sev)` | Severance | `mr` | `(mrobot)` | Mr. Robot |
| `hm` | `(humans)` | Humans | `ww` | `(westworld)` | Westworld |
| `dp` | `(devs)` | Devs | | | |

Scale: **enthusiasm** (see global scale table).

> 0: Crime against storytelling.
> 7: Know the lore deeper than the writers.

---

### v: Politics

Format: `v<social>/<economic>`. No modifiers.

**Social:** 0 = Far-right authoritarian · 4 = Centrist · 7 = Far-left libertarian
**Economic:** 0 = Unregulated capitalism · 4 = Mixed economy · 7 = Full socialism

> `v5/3`: socially center-left, economically center-right.
> `v4/4`: centrist. You annoy both sides equally.

---

### w: Hardware

0. **Defeated by USB**: The cable won.
1. **Can plug in**: Big hole is for power.
2. **Replaced a part**: Three YouTube videos and mild weeping.
3. **Troubleshoots**: Can tell RAM from a graphics card.
4. **Built a PC**: Cable management isn't great but it posted.
5. **Comfortable**: Friends call when things break.
6. **Mods regularly**: Void warranties recreationally.
7. **Builds everything**: Manufactured your own PCBs.

---

### x: Comics / Manga

| Short | (Long) | Name | Short | (Long) | Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| `dc` | - | DC Comics | `mv` | `(marvel)` | Marvel |
| `mg` | `(manga)` | Manga | `dl` | `(dilbert)` | Dilbert |
| `xk` | `(xkcd)` | XKCD | `in` | `(indie)` | Indie |
| `wt` | `(webtoon)` | Webtoon | `gn` | `(graphicnovel)` | Graphic Novels |

Scale: **enthusiasm** (see global scale table).

> 0: Comics are for children. (You're wrong.)
> 7: Collection requires its own room.

---

### y: Fitness

0. **What is outside**: Cardiovascular exercise is walking to the fridge.
1. **Avoids activity**: Physical activity is a social obligation.
2. **Occasional walk**: Coffee is the point, not the walk.
3. **Light activity**: Own athletic wear. Never been to a gym.
4. **Some exercise**: Can climb stairs without existential crisis.
5. **Regular workouts**: Track your steps.
6. **Very active**: Resting heart rate impresses doctors.
7. **Daily athlete**: Body is a temple. Temple has a squat rack.

---

### z: Maker / DIY

0. **Defeated by IKEA**: Allen keys are your nemesis.
1. **IKEA once**: One screw left over. Probably fine.
2. **Basic repairs**: Holes approximately where they should be.
3. **Handy**: Fixes hold. Duct tape is structural.
4. **Simple projects**: A shelf here, a birdhouse there.
5. **Regular maker**: Projects folder never shrinks.
6. **Advanced**: Workshop has zones.
7. **Built my house**: Hardware store sends Christmas card.

---
## Extending UGI

Any field with sub-IDs accepts custom entries via `~`:

```
gcs/~mycology           geek of CS and mycology
m~synthwave6            synthwave enthusiast
t~severance7            severance obsessed
j~larp5                 LARP, competent
o~beos4                 BeOS, neutral nostalgia
```

Letters `n` and `u` are reserved for future spec versions.

---
## Examples

### jdoe: Full-stack developer

```
------- BEGIN UGI BLOCK -------
v:0 @jdoe Gcs$/dev
A4 E4 Len7
Oxa6 Owe5 Ppy6$ Pjs6$ Pts5 Prs4+6 Dvs6 W5 Q4
I5 V5/4 Rag4
Tst5 Tex7 K5 Xxk6 Jst5 Jpc6 Mrk5 Min4
B5/4 C3 Hh4 Hf5 Hm4 S6 Y4 F4 Z3
-------- END UGI BLOCK --------
```

```
ugi:0@jdoe:gcs$/dev,a4,b5/4,c3,hh4f5m4,e4,len7,oxa6we5,ppy6$js6$ts5rs4+6,dvs6,w5,q4,i5,v5/4,rag4,tst5ex7,k5,xxk6,jst5pc6,mrk5in4,s6,y4,f4,z3
```

### neo: Security researcher

```
------- BEGIN UGI BLOCK -------
v:0 @neo Gcy$/sec/os
A3 E6 Len6 Lzh4
Oxd7$ Ofb6 Pc6$ Pba7 Pas5 Prs5 Ded7 W6 Q7$
I1 V6/5 Rat5
Tff7 Tbs6 Tbl6 K7 Jro6 Jpc7 Mmt6 Mel5
B5/3 C1 Hh2 S2 Y5 F3 Z6
-------- END UGI BLOCK --------
```

```
ugi:0@neo:gcy$/sec/os,a3,b5/3,c1,hh2,e6,len6zh4,oxd7$fb6,pc6$ba7as5rs5,ded7,w6,q7$,i1,v6/5,rat5,tff7bs6bl6,k7,jro6pc7,mmt6el5,s2,y5,f3,z6
```

### hax0r: Hardware hacker

```
------- BEGIN UGI BLOCK -------
v:0/3 @hax0r Gee$/rb/dy~solder
A5 E4 Lja7 Len5
Oxg7 Ofb5 Pc5 Pba6 Pas7$ Dem5 W7$ Q6
I2 V3/3 Rbu5
Tbb6 Tff7 K5 Xxk6 Xdl5 Jre7 Jpc6 Jbg5 Mmt7 Mpk6
B6/5 C2 Hh3 Hf6+7 Hm5 S3 Y5 F4 Z7$
-------- END UGI BLOCK --------
```

```
ugi:0/3@hax0r:gee$/rb/dy~solder,a5,b6/5,c2,hh3f6+7m5,e4,lja7en5,oxg7fb5,pc5ba6as7$,dem5,w7$,q6,i2,v3/3,rbu5,tbb6ff7,k5,xxk6dl5,jre7pc6bg5,mmt7pk6,s3,y5,f4,z7$
```

---
## Comparison with predecessors

| | Geek Code 3.12 (1996) | Geek Code 2026 | Hacker Key v4 (2006) | UGI v0 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | +/- stacking | +/- stacking | 0-9 | 0-7 octal |
| Length | 4-6 lines | 4-8 lines | 1 line | 1 or 4-8 |
| Fields | ~25 | ~35+ | ~16 | 24+2 |
| URI-safe | No | No | Mostly | Yes |
| Case | Sensitive | Sensitive | Sensitive | Insensitive |
| Extensible | No | No | Limited | ~ custom |
| Format | Block | Block | Inline | Block+URI |
| Active | 1996 | GitHub | 2006 | Draft |

### Fields retained

`a` age brackets, `b` dimensions, `c` dress/clothing, `e` education, `g` geek type, expanded, `h` hair/beard, `k` books, `o` os merged, `p` programming, `q` security/pgp, `s` sex, `t` tv merged, `v` politics, `w` hardware. All present in one or both predecessors.

### Fields added

`d`: Editor war must be documented. 
`f`: Geeks cook now. 
`i`: Defining divide of the 2020s. 
`j`: Gaming beyond DOOM. 
`l`: Geek culture is global. 
`m`: Absent from predecessors. 
`r`: From Hacker Key. 
`x`: Beyond Dilbert. 
`y`: Modern geek exercises. 
`z`: Maker movement. 

### Fields removed

Usenet: dead. Kibo: niche. DOOM: use j. OS/2, VMS: use o+~custom. MBTI: pop psychology. Residence: low value. GitHub handle: @handle. I/O: abstract. Cracking: use q. Lang hacking: in g. Math level: in e+g. Prog methodology: in p.

---
## Quick reference

```
FORMAT:  ugi:<ver>[/<rev>]@<handle>:<fields>
SCALE:   0=hostile 1=dislike 2=meh 3=slight- 4=neutral 5=like 6=strong 7=obsessed
MODIFY:  $ = paid   + = aspire   / = fluctuate,separate   ~ = custom

a age           b build         c clothing      d editor / ide  e education
f food / cooking  g geek specialization  h hair          i ai stance     j gaming
k books         l spoken languages  m music         [n reserved]    o operating system
p programming languages  q security / hacking  r religion      s sex / relationships  t tv / film
[u reserved]    v politics      w hardware      x comics / manga  y fitness
z maker / diy

$+  f j l o p q w y z     $ only  g     + only  b c d e h k s     none  a i m r t v x
```

---
## References

- [Geek Code](https://sig.codes/geek/), Robert A. Hayden, 1993-1996
- [Geek Code 4.0+](https://sig.codes/geek-4.0/), exarobibliologist, 2019-2026
- [Hacker Key](https://sig.codes/hacker-key/), Chris Allegretta, 2003-2006
- [sig.codes](https://sig.codes/)
- [Geek Code on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geek_Code)
- [Geek Code v3.12 mirror](https://geekcode.xyz/)
- [Hacker Key v4 mirror](https://sig.codes/hacker-key/4/)

---

## License

MIT. see [LICENSE](./LICENSE).
## Check

- **[ugi.gumx.cc](https://ugi.gumx.cc)** ([repo](https://git.sr.ht/~gumxcc/ugi.gumx.cc)): web-based UGI encoder, decoder, and format converter
- **ugi-cli** ([repo](https://git.sr.ht/~gumxcc/ugi-cli)): command-line tool for encoding, decoding, and converting UGI strings

---

## Generator scripts

The `scripts/` directory contains generators that produce all artifacts from `ugi_registry_v0.json`.
Each script takes the registry JSON path and output file path as arguments:

```bash
python scripts/gen_spec.py ugi_registry_v0.json README.md
python scripts/gen_abnf.py ugi_registry_v0.json grammar/UGI_GRAMMAR_v0.abnf
python scripts/gen_ebnf.py ugi_registry_v0.json grammar/UGI_GRAMMAR_v0.ebnf
```

### Requirements

- Python 3.8+
- No external dependencies

### Project structure

```
ugi-spec/
├── ugi_registry_v0.json       # source of truth
├── scripts/
│   ├── gen_spec.py             # spec markdown generator
│   ├── gen_abnf.py             # ABNF grammar generator
│   └── gen_ebnf.py             # EBNF grammar generator
├── grammar/
│   ├── UGI_GRAMMAR_v0.abnf    # generated ABNF
│   └── UGI_GRAMMAR_v0.ebnf    # generated EBNF
├── tests/
│   └── cases.json              # test cases for all field types and formats
└── README.md                   # this file (generated spec + usage)
```

---

## License

MIT. see [LICENSE](./LICENSE).