Random number generator (included): Difference between revisions
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=={{header|Python}}== |
=={{header|Python}}== |
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Python uses the [[wp:Mersenne twister|Mersenne twister]] algorithm accessed via the built-in [http://docs.python.org/library/random.html random module]. |
Python uses the [[wp:Mersenne twister|Mersenne twister]] algorithm accessed via the built-in [http://docs.python.org/library/random.html random module]. |
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=={{header|Tcl}}== |
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Tcl uses a [[wp:Linear congruential generator|linear congruential generator]] in it's built-in <code>rand()</code> function. This is seeded by default from the system time, and kept per-interpreter so different security contexts and different threads can't affect each other's generators (avoiding key deployment issues with the rand function from [[C]]'s math library). |
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Citations (from Tcl source code): |
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* S.K. Park & K.W. Miller, “''Random number generators: good ones are hard to find'',” Comm ACM 31(10):1192-1201, Oct 1988 |
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* W.H. Press & S.A. Teukolsky, “''Portable random number generators'',” Computers in Physics 6(5):522-524, Sep/Oct 1992. |
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Revision as of 08:44, 23 January 2010
State the type of random number generator algorithm used in a languages built-in random number generator, or omit the language if no random number generator is given as part of the language or its immediate libraries.
If possible, a link to a wider explanation of the algorithm used should be given.
Note: the task is not to create an RNG, but to report on the languages in-built RNG that would be the most likely RNG used.
Python
Python uses the Mersenne twister algorithm accessed via the built-in random module.
Tcl
Tcl uses a linear congruential generator in it's built-in rand() function. This is seeded by default from the system time, and kept per-interpreter so different security contexts and different threads can't affect each other's generators (avoiding key deployment issues with the rand function from C's math library).
Citations (from Tcl source code):
- S.K. Park & K.W. Miller, “Random number generators: good ones are hard to find,” Comm ACM 31(10):1192-1201, Oct 1988
- W.H. Press & S.A. Teukolsky, “Portable random number generators,” Computers in Physics 6(5):522-524, Sep/Oct 1992.