Thread: srand and Random number generator

I am trying to generate 7 random number that doesn't repeat and print them out sorted and unsorted. I am having 1 error that
i can't seem to fix. can anyone please help me. i am running out of time.

Code:

/* Aim: Write a C program to sort array of random numbers using bubble sort and rand() function */
#include<stdio.h>
#include<stdlib.h>
#include<time.h>

// generate_random() function to generate array of random numbers
void generate_random(int *a, int n)
{
  {
    int main();

    int i, n, j;
    time_t t;

    n = 7;

    /* Intializes random number generator */
    srand((unsigned) time(&t));

    /* Print 5 random numbers from 0 to 50 */
    for (i = 0; i < n; i++) {

      printf("%d\n", rand() % 16);
    }
  }
  int j, temp, i;
  // Passing starting address and size to generate array of random numbers
  generate_random(a, n);
  // Displaying the random array
  printf("\n The random array: ");
  for (i = 0; i < n; i++)
    printf(" %d ", a);

  for (i = 1; i < n; i++) {
    for (j = 0; j < n - i; j++) {
      /* To sort in ascending order, change '<' to '>' to implement descending order sorting */
      if (a[j + 1] < a[j]) {
        temp = a[j];
        a[j] = a[j + 1];
        a[j + 1] = temp;
      }
    }
  }

  // Displaying the sorted array.
  printf("\n The sorted array: ");
  for (i = 0; i < n; i++)
    printf(" %d ", a);
  printf("\n \n");
}

Well your generate_random and main are all mushed together.

It's

Code:

void generate_random ( int *a, int n ) {
     // some code goes here
}

int main ( ) {
    // main code goes here
}

Originally Posted by Guest

He just told you, and you already have the code. So what's the hold up? If you didn't write this code and didn't pay attention in class, then we're not going to do your homework.

perhaps i should have posted my code, the one that, i did not modify to include srand. my problem is my random generator is giving me the same numbers. all i need for you guys to help me with is, show me how to use the srand with this code. the way i am using it is not working, i do not know why.

Code:

/* Aim: Write a C program to sort array of random numbers using bubble sort and rand() function */

#include<stdio.h>
#include<stdlib.h>

// generate_random() function to generate array of random numbers

void generate_random(int *a, int n)
{
  int i;
  n = 7;
  srand(time(NULL));

  for (i = 0; i < n; i++)
    a = rand() % (16 + 1 - 1) + 1;

}

int main()
{
  int a[16], n, i, j, temp;
  n = 7;


  // Passing starting address and size to generate array of random numbers
  generate_random(a, n);

  // Displaying the random array

  printf("\n The draw result: ");
  for (i = 0; i < n; i++)
    printf(" %d ", a);


  for (i = 1; i < n; i++) {
    for (j = 0; j < n - i; j++) {
      /* To sort in ascending order, change '<' to '>' to implement descending order sorting */
      if (a[j + 1] < a[j]) {
        temp = a[j];
        a[j] = a[j + 1];
        a[j + 1] = temp;
      }
    }
  }


  // Displaying the sorted array.

  printf("\n The sorted draw: ");
  for (i = 0; i < n; i++)
    printf(" %d ", a);
  printf("\n \n");

}

Another thing... If you toss a D6 dice, let's say, 20 times, you CAN get the same number in a "long" sequence... For the sake of argument, imagine tossing the dice and getting 3, four times, one after another...

"Ramdomness" doesn't mean "unsequential", it only means the values you get are distributed equally in an unpredictable sequence (which CAN be "sequential").

That said, the LCPRNG (Linear Congruential Pseudo Random Number Generator), used by srand/rand is less random if you take a few lower bits than if you get a few upper bits (see Knuth)... When you do:

Code:

 r = rand() % 16;

You are keeping the lower 4 bits and masking all the upper bits. To make sure the value is more "random", you can do (with GCC and CLANG), for the same 4 bits:

Code:

int randmax_bits = sizeof(int)*8 - __builtin_clz(RAND_MAX);
int r = (unsigned int)rand() >> (randmax_bits - 4);

Notice rand() returns an int, by definition.

thank you. i am now having problem merging two source code. they are working separately. i am actually doing that assignment attached.

Code:

#include<stdio.h>
#include<stdlib.h>
#include<time.h>
#define maxsize 100
 
// generate_random() function to generate array of random numbers
 
void generate_random(int *array, int n)
{
 
  int i;
 
  int randmax_bits = sizeof(int)*8 - __builtin_clz(RAND_MAX);
int r = (unsigned int)rand() >> (randmax_bits - 4);
  for(i=0;i<7;i++)
  array[i]=rand()%(16+1-1)+1;
 
}
 
int main()
 
{
  int a[16],n,i,j,temp, x, y;
  n = 7;
 
 
// Passing starting address and size to generate array of random numbers
  generate_random(a,n); 
 
// Displaying the random array
 
  printf("\n The draw result: ");
  for(i=0;i<n;i++)
    printf(" %d ",a[i]);
 
 
  for(i=1;i<n;i++)
  {
    for(j=0;j<n-i;j++)
    {
/* To sort in ascending order, change '<' to '>' to implement descending order sorting */
      if(a[j+1]<a[j]) 
      {
        temp=a[j];
        a[j]=a[j+1];
        a[j+1]=temp; 
      }
    }
  }
 
 
// Displaying the sorted array.
 
  printf("\n The sorted draw: ");
  for(i=0;i<n;i++)
  printf(" %d ",a[i]);
  printf("\n \n");
}
 



int array (16);
    printf("Please enter the 7 Ticket number one by one followed by enter \n");
    for (x = 0; x < 7; x++)
    {
        scanf("%d", &array[x]);
    }
    printf("The Ticket number's are \n");
    for (x = 0; x < 7; x++)
    {
        printf("%d \n", array[x]);
    }
    /*   Bubble sorting begins */
    for (x = 0; x < 7; x++)
    {
        for (y = 0; y < (7 - x - 1); y++)
        {
            if (array[y] > array[y + 1])
            {
                temp = array[y];
                array[y] = array[y + 1];
                array[y + 1] = temp;
            }
        }
    }
    printf("The sorted Ticket number's are...\n");
    for (x = 0; x < 7; x++)
    {
        printf("%d\n", array[x]);
    }
}

Are you just copy/pasting from random sources?

Edit: as an aside, you may want to check your naming of the sorting algorithm you're using (well, algorithms, because you seem to be implementing two variants for some reason, neither of which are called "bubble sort" using Knuth's definition)

Question 4:
(30 marks)
This problem contains loops, sorting arrays, random generation, and variable matching.
Include an analysis (data requirements) and algorithm in your reply.
Write a “lottery engine” program to simulate drawing lottery numbers. You will draw 7 numbers,
randomly selected from 1 to 16.

a) Allow the user to enter their own selection of numbers first,
Example numbers: 2 3 7 9 10 11 15
b) then run your “lottery engine” to select the “winning numbers”. Numbers are drawn
randomly.
Use the clock as the seed value for your random function (Hint: use “srand(clock());” ).
c) Be sure to remove duplicate entries.
d) Print out the draw result as it was generated (unsorted), then sort the array and print out the
sorted numbers.
Example output:
“
Draw unsorted: 2 12 16 14 7 13 1
Draw sorted: 1 2 7 12 13 14 16
“
e) Then print out the matching numbers selected by the user:
f) Also print the sorted user selection and draw results and matching numbers to a TXT file
called “Results.txt”.
Example output
“
Draw sorted: 1 2 7 12 13 14 16
User’s sorted: 2 3 7 9 10 11 15
Matching numbers: 2 – 7
END

Your first cut of C code should look like this.
It's basically all the bullet points of your assignment written as comments.

Code:

int main ( ) {
    // a) Allow the user to enter their own selection of numbers first,
    // b) then run your “lottery engine” to select the “winning numbers”. Numbers are drawn randomly.
    // c) Be sure to remove duplicate entries.
    // d) Print out the draw result as it was generated (unsorted), then sort the array and print out the sorted numbers.
    // e) Then print out the matching numbers selected by the user:
    // f) Also print the sorted user selection and draw results and matching numbers to a TXT file
}

Your second cut maybe like this.
You tackle each comment IN TURN.
Do ONE thing at a time, compile and test it.

Code:

void inputUserGuesses(int *userLotteryGuesses, int nGuesses ) {
    printf("Enter your %d guesses\n",nGuesses);
    for ( int i = 0 ; i < nGuesses ; i++ ) {
        scanf("%d",&userLotteryGuesses[i]);
    }
}
int main ( ) {
    int userLotteryGuesses[7];
    // a) Allow the user to enter their own selection of numbers first,
    inputUserGuesses(userLotteryGuesses,7);
    // b) then run your “lottery engine” to select the “winning numbers”. Numbers are drawn randomly.
    // c) Be sure to remove duplicate entries.
    // d) Print out the draw result as it was generated (unsorted), then sort the array and print out the sorted numbers.
    // e) Then print out the matching numbers selected by the user:
    // f) Also print the sorted user selection and draw results and matching numbers to a TXT file
}

Now, write a function for step b that fills another array[7] (and pick a decent name for it) with pseudo random numbers.

<p>
I gave up already without trying finding a complete solution that works. The problem is too complex for 30 marks. It&#39;s supposed to be at least 50 or more. We didn&#39;t do any problem that combined all those together, hence my approach was, first to write a program that will accept user numbers, then I went to the random generator.</p>
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<p>
The code aree written separate, which proved to a problem when I wanted to combine them. To make matter worse, I didn&#39;t know how to search the array to find the marching numbers. Any suggestions of a good book, to study on my own? I submitted today, I know I will fail the assignment, however I want to learn from my mistakes..</p>
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<p>
Thanks to all that supported me, with your comments. If I may ask, can someone really make a living out of coding c# only or you need to know other language? For those who knows python, how easy is it for me to learn that language after c#? I really have a soft spot for machine learning and python is extensively used in that field.</p>