random number generator (redirected from Random generator)

random number generator

A program routine that produces a random number. Random numbers are created easily in a computer, since there are many random events that take place such as the duration between keystrokes. Only a few milliseconds' difference is enough to seed a random number generation routine with a different starting number each time.

Once seeded, an algorithm computes different numbers throughout the session. The numbers that are created must be distributed evenly over a certain range, and they cannot be predictable (the next number cannot be determined from the last).

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random number generator [′ran·dəm ′nəm·bər ‚jen·ə‚rād·ər]

(computer science)

A mathematical program which generates a set of numbers which pass a randomness test.

An analog device that generates a randomly fluctuating variable, and usually operates from an electrical noise source.