Post 11. Random Number Generation!

WHAT IS RANDOM NUMBER GENERATION?

Random number generators are devices/methods able to develop unpredictable sequences of numbers. These generators can be as simple as a deck of cards that are shuffled, dice rolled, and computational devices used to simulate random number generation (Wikipedia Random Number Generation)

HOW DO COMPUTERS SIMULATE RANDOM NUMBER GENERATION?

Computers are programmed to generate either "true random" or "pseudo-random"numbers. A true random number is generated by measuring physical phenomenon in the world such as atmospheric noise or other quantum phenomena that occur randomly and using the random numbers. Pseudo-random numbers are generated using algorithms and programmed by computer scientists. There are a few different equations and methods for producing these pseudo-random numbers including the linear congruential generator, which uses a minimum and maximum value to generate random numbers. These algorithms, however, do not produce numbers that are truly random, as they may repeat given a high number of iterations. In relation to computer science, programming languages have libraries including one of these random number algorithms in order for programs to call on random number generation. (Hoffman, 2014)

HOW ARE THESE GENERATORS USED?

Random number generation is used in computer science in video game creation, computer games involving gambling, and cryptography. Cryptography, specifically uses random number generation in order to create secure communication for things like ATMs and computer passwords. These random numbers help to secure personal information from hackers.

Information (and photo) from:

"Cryptogrophy." Wikipedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Nov. 2016.

Hoffman, Chris. "How Computers Generate Random Numbers." How-to Geek. N.p., 2014. Web. 4 Nov. 2016.

"Random Number Generation." Wikipedia, n.d. Web. 4 Nov. 2016.