[Coco] Is the RND command really generating a random number?

[Arthur Flexser]

Typically, random number generators use an algorithm like:

next random number = previous random number times some big integer, plus
another big integer.  Often, the result is truncated to a certain number of
bits.  With appropriate choices of the two constants, the results
approximate what you'd expect with truly random numbers.  However, the
sequence generated by this algorithm will repeat after some (typically
huge) number of calls, so it is not truly random.

There are tests for statistical randomness that can be used to evaluate
different algorithms.

Art

On Thu, May 18, 2017 at 8:48 PM, Rietveld Rietveld <rietveldh at hotmail.com>
wrote:

> I would be interested in knowing the logic behind the RND(x) command
>
> Sent from my BlackBerry 10 smartphone.
>   Original Message
> From: Dave Philipsen
> Sent: Thursday, May 18, 2017 8:44 PM
> To: CoCoList for Color Computer Enthusiasts
> Reply To: CoCoList for Color Computer Enthusiasts
> Subject: Re: [Coco] Is the RND command really generating a random number?
>
>
> Very few things in the computer world are truly random.  A better term
> might be 'pseudo-random'.  Think about it.  In theory if you turn on two
> identical CoCos at the same time and ask for a random number at the same
> time they should both provide the same random number.  So, in reality,
> it's not random.
>
> Dave
>
> On 5/18/2017 7:39 PM, Rietveld Rietveld wrote:
> > I used the RND command to generate a random game play option in the
> cocoflash, but it doesn't seem to be very random. Some titles come up more
> than the laws of probability would suggest is possible.   instead I am now
> using a small math equation that uses a PEEK of the clock value.   This has
> resulted in a far more random looking selection
> >
> > Sent from my BlackBerry 10 smartphone.
> >
>
>
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