Rnd

rnd(x) returns a random number between '0' and 'x' (x excluded).

Syntax

   rnd(EXP_NUM)

• EXP_NUM is an expression returning a numeric value.

Examples

   # Let's simulate a dice throw
    DICE_VALUE = int(rnd(6)) + 1
   # Let's create a random string of 1 to 20 characters containing random Latin alphabetic letter
    CH_HASARD = sigma(1, 1+int(rnd(20)), chr$(int(rnd(25))+ascii("A")))

Description

rnd(X) uses the usual random function (on Unix, it is drand48()).
The method uses the series calculated by X(N+1)=A*X(N)+C (modulo M) with M=2^48, A=25214903917, C=11. The initial value depends on the current time when the process starts.

The numbers returned have a uniform distribution on the interval. If integers are required, the functions int, fix, or arr can be used.

The type of result is Double.

Associated errors

Error code	Description
10	The argument is not numeric.

See also

int, arr, fix.