Random number generator in Python?

[erik-the-red]

How would I write a random number generator in Python?

Is it even possible to make a truly random number generator?

[Sutekh]

You can find lots of information on random number generators in Python just using Google.

Keep in mind that most computational random number generators are called pseudo-random number generators, because they usually rely on a deterministic algorithm. For most purposes this should be adequate.

The "truest" random number generators need to use a completely unpredictable process, some use things like atmospheric noise and radioactive sources. If you want a "true" random number generator, you could give it a try. In the space eng department at my uni, they were using static from unused radio frequencies to generate random numbers, but that would be quite a project.

Edit: Indeed this is actually implemented by the people at http://www.random.org/, who used radio static. They also have a page where they can generate a large quantity of random numbers for your use. Check it out.

[erik-the-red]

Thanks!

[Sutekh]

No problem. Hey, let me know how you go. I'm just getting into Python (with desklets) and would be interested to see how it goes. Good Luck.

[gord]

import random
print random.random()


linky :) (http://docs.python.org/lib/module-random.html)

[erik-the-red]

Thanks, gord. Here is my final code:


import random
print random.randrange(1,226,1)


Works like a charm.

[julemel]

hi, this is a follow on question from the random numbers.
i want to generate random numbers to use in a monte carlo simulation. but the model script is in pcraster. i have the model running 100 times in python but need to generate random numbers to use in the model for each run.
can anyone help???