Random Number Generator
Comprehensive Random Number Generator
What is a Random Number?
A random number is a number selected from a set of possible values without any predictable pattern. These numbers are typically independent of one another, though they may follow a specific probability distribution.
For example, student heights in a school generally follow a normal distribution around the median height. If a student’s height is picked at random, it is more likely to be close to the median rather than at the extreme ends (very short or very tall).
The random number generators above assume that the numbers are independent and evenly distributed across the specified range.
Random Number Generators (RNGs)
A random number generator (RNG) is a tool that produces one or more random numbers within a defined range. RNGs can be hardware-based or pseudo-random.
Hardware-Based RNGs
These rely on physical randomness, such as:
- Rolling dice
- Flipping coins
- Other mechanical or natural processes
Pseudo-Random Number Generators (PRNGs)
A PRNG is an algorithm that generates a sequence of numbers that mimic randomness. Most computer-based RNGs, including the ones above, use pseudo-random algorithms.
While PRNGs are sufficient for most applications, they are not truly random and should not be used for cryptographic purposes. True randomness is derived from physical phenomena like:
- Atmospheric noise
- Thermal noise
- Quantum mechanics
True random number generators also account for potential biases introduced during measurement to ensure accurate randomness.
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