NAME

rand, srand − random number generator

SYNOPSIS

srand(seed)
int seed;

rand()

DESCRIPTION

Rand uses a multiplicative congruential random number generator with period 232 to return successive pseudo-random numbers in the range from 0 to 231−1. 

The generator is reinitialized by calling srand with 1 as argument.  It can be set to a random starting point by calling srand with whatever you like as argument. 

Random(3) is better; use it if compatibility is not a concern.

SEE ALSO

random(3)

BUGS

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. 

Sun Release 2.0  —  Last change: 23 August 1983