Thread: Random function @ stdlib.h: how do they behave?

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    Lightbulb Random function @ stdlib.h: how do they behave?

    Hi all,

    When generating pseudorandom numbers using the ISO C library stdlib.h (the classical sequence):
    Code:
    srand(mySeed);
    int myRandomValue = rand();
    I need to know what effectively happens. As far as I know, the system calculates a pseudorandom number using a given equation, envolving the RAND_MAX value, defined at the same stdlib.h library.

    That is important to me because I intend to use the same code on different platforms (including the well-known MinGW @ i386), so I expect to get the same random numbers on different enviroments.

    Any clue?

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    C++ Witch laserlight's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by artur
    I need to know what effectively happens. As far as I know, the system calculates a pseudorandom number using a given equation, envolving the RAND_MAX value, defined at the same stdlib.h library.
    The implementation of srand and rand is implementation defined.

    Quote Originally Posted by artur
    That is important to me because I intend to use the same code on different platforms (including the well-known MinGW @ i386), so I expect to get the same random numbers on different enviroments.

    Any clue?
    Use a known PRNG instead of using rand.
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    I get maybe two dozen requests for help with some sort of programming or design problem every day. Most have more sense than to send me hundreds of lines of code. If they do, I ask them to find the smallest example that exhibits the problem and send me that. Mostly, they then find the error themselves. "Finding the smallest program that demonstrates the error" is a powerful debugging tool.
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    Quote Originally Posted by laserlight View Post
    The implementation of srand and rand is implementation defined.


    Use a known PRNG instead of using rand.
    Really? So I'll need a good PRNG. By mencioning it, you meant that I'd have to implement my own PRNG code?

    Thanks for the fast answer!

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    C++ Witch laserlight's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by artur
    you meant that I'd have to implement my own PRNG code?
    No, you could use an existing library. For example, search the Web for "Mersenne Twister".
    Quote Originally Posted by Bjarne Stroustrup (2000-10-14)
    I get maybe two dozen requests for help with some sort of programming or design problem every day. Most have more sense than to send me hundreds of lines of code. If they do, I ask them to find the smallest example that exhibits the problem and send me that. Mostly, they then find the error themselves. "Finding the smallest program that demonstrates the error" is a powerful debugging tool.
    Look up a C++ Reference and learn How To Ask Questions The Smart Way

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    > Really? So I'll need a good PRNG. By mencioning it, you meant that I'd have to implement my own PRNG code?
    What do you want it for?

    stdlib.h rand() is good for student homework only

    The main users of randomness are "statistics and simulations" and "cryptography". If you've got a good hardware RNG that can deliver as much randomness as you need on demand, then use that.

    But if you're stuck with needing a pseudo RNG, then use Mersenne Twister (there are pre-written libs available) for all your non-crypto work.

    crypto work is much more demanding.
    A hardware RNG has to be the preferred option.
    If you're stuck with some kind of software solution, then perhaps read the following
    /dev/random - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
    Blum Blum Shub - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
    But beware that any s/w solution has issues and edge cases which might make things less than straightforward (not that any crypto is straightforward).
    If you dance barefoot on the broken glass of undefined behaviour, you've got to expect the occasional cut.
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    Some people take a very narrow view on what a basic PRNG is useful for. It's neither as bad as some people say, nor as good as some people think. Provided you use it properly, and for the right things, it works well.

    The implementation used in Visual Studio is:
    Code:
    static unsigned int g_seed;
    inline void srand(int seed)
    {
      g_seed = seed;
    }
    inline int rand()
    {
      g_seed = (214013*g_seed+2531011);
      return (g_seed>>16) & 0x7FFF;
    }
    If you just copy and use that in your project, along with your own definition of something like RAND_MAX, then it will clearly be the same on every system you use it on.
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