rand(3C) (BSD Compatibility Package) rand(3C)
NAME
rand, srand - simple random number generator
SYNOPSIS
cc [ flag... ] file ... -lucb
srand(seed)
int seed;
rand()
DESCRIPTION
rand uses a multiplicative congruential random number generator with
period 2**32 to return successive pseudo-random numbers in the range
from 0 to (2**31)-1.
srand can be called at any time to reset the random-number generator
to a random starting point. The generator is initially seeded with a
value of 1.
SEE ALSO
random(3).
drand48(2), drand(3C), rand(3C), srand(3C) in the Programmer's
Reference Manual.
NOTES
The spectral properties of rand leave a great deal to be desired.
drand48(2) and random(3) provide much better, though more elaborate,
random-number generators.
The low bits of the numbers generated are not very random; use the
middle bits. In particular the lowest bit alternates between 0 and
1.
7/91 Page 1