random

Gamma: Version 4.0
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# `random`

`random` -- generates random numbers from 0 to 1.

## Syntax

    random ()

## Arguments

`none`

## Returns

A floating point random number which is greater than or equal to 0 and is less than 1.

## Description

This function uses a pseudo-random number generator to generate a non-repeating sequence of numbers randomly distributed across the range of 0 <= x < 1.

The random number generator should be seeded prior to being called by using the `set_random` function. If the same seed is given to `set_random`, the same random sequence will result every time.

## Example

        #!/usr/local/bin/gamma -d

        //Seed random number generator to clock setting:
        set_random(clock());

        //Randomly generate an integer from one to six:
        function one_to_six ()
        {
                floor(6 * random()) + 1;
        }

        //Princ the results:
        x = one_to_six();
        princ(x, "\n");

See the Automatically Change SP Value section of the PID Emulator chapter in the Cogent Tools Demo and Tutorials book for an example of this function used in context.

## See Also

`set_random`

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