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How to get a random number

Posted By: April Kennedy
Date: Saturday, 29 July 2017, at 5:20 p.m.

In Response To: How to get a random number (Michael Petch)

Sure. It is still true that computers cannot generate a random number on their own. A computer that uses thermal noise as entropy is using a (true random) source outside of itself. Thus if the seed is random, which this is, the results can be said to be random as well.

Most dice apps don't actually go this far, but use a process that is pseudo random, which means that the numbers are generated in a predictable fashion using a mathematical formula. In some cases, they do some manipulation to "normalize" results, like limiting the number of 66 in a row.

The pseudo random dice may be just as good as random, but I am not convinced. Mostly because we haven't had a rational fact and data backed discussion as a community to embrace them.

I would be fine with an electronic device that uses atmospheric noise as the seed.

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