Retrieving unique user numbers

[Operator]

Hello all --

I was asked by a user how to retrieve/identify the unique
user number from within the shell environment (ksh). What
he is looking for would, preferably, function in much the
same fashion as the command [echo `/usr/bin/logname`], where
the result of this op could then be piped into a subsequent
operation. 

If I properly understand his request, what he is trying to 
avoid is invoking an awk script to execute a search of the
/etc/passwd file; however, if an embedded shell command is
not available to fulfill this purpose, then awk it is.

Many thanks,

Vance


-- 
 "I like this company - they hired me, for one; besides that, 
    they haven't asked me to speak for them - so I won't."
/**************************************************************
*       Vance R. Fields III   |   Motorola SPS                *