Hi to generate the random number I would still suggest that you use rand() function given by C and use it nicely i.e effectively using seed so that you don�t get same no again and again. I used to use it in my good old collage days. And this function is still being used in most of the software even today
Second method is to divide a second, now whenever you press any key find out which milisecond part of that second take out its unit place and you get a brand new random number. This technique is used in developing an arcade game jackpot las vagas style
Third method is to use the system generated datetime stamp multiply the each individual number with each other and take out its unit place of the resultant
For some strange reason we have always been using time-space for finding out the unique random number
You Last full resort should be Get the no of ticks that your processor gives in a particular duration say 1 sec and get out its last unit digit, obviously your random number generation has to do with your processor speed
Thanks bye
--- Philip S Tellis philip@konark.ncst.ernet.in wrote:
On Wed, 12 Mar 2003, Manish Jethani wrote:
Ok, I get the idea. Use rand() instead, for
portability. And
you have to seed the random no. generator with,
say, the current
time. Seed it using srandom((unsigned)
time(NULL)) before any
calls to random().
Althought that is what I do, someone once said that it's a bad idea to seed the random number generator with the system time.
or does someone have a better idea of generating
random nos?
Yes, read the manual for random(3), srandom(3),
rand(3), etc.
Read Seminumerical Analysis by the Don. It'll pass on some insights into the theory of random number generation.
Remember, all generated random numbers are just pseudo random. If you really want a random number, stick your finger in the air, pick the molecule that lands in the very centre of the tip of your finger, and measure its vibration. Ensure it stays at the centre of your finger at this point.
Philip
-- Woman on Street: Sir, you are drunk; very, very drunk. Winston Churchill: Madame, you are ugly; very, very ugly. I shall be sober in the morning.
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