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RAND()
Generates random numbers
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Syntax
RAND([<nStartValue>]) --> nRandomValue
Argument
<nStartValue> Designates a beginning value for the random number
generator.
Returns
RAND() returns a random number between 0 and 1.
Description
In contrast to RANDOM(), this function works with a seed algorithm.
Multiple calls always returns the same random number sequence when it
has the same start value. When you first call RANDOM() without a
parameter, it starts as if 100001 is specified as a parameter.
Subsequent random numbers can then be influenced by the < nStartValue>.
If this value is less than or equal to 0, the clock time is brought into
the process.
If you call the function with 100001 as a parameter, it allows you to
restart the generator. Then, if you call the function several times
without parameter, it returns the "standard sequence" of numbers.
Examples
. Call after program start:
? STR(RAND(), 18, 15) // 0.831051100158447
? STR(RAND(), 18, 15) // 0.557946857971956
. If the parameter equals 0, the clock time is incorporated.
Even if the clock has not yet advanced, subsequent values are still
different:
? STR(RAND(), 18, 15) // Time dependent
? STR(RAND(), 18, 15) // Subsequent time
// dependent value
. Use a number greater than 0:
? STR(RAND(23), 18, 15) // 0.121169930053736
? STR(RAND(23), 18, 15) // 0.121169930053736
. Show a "new start":
? STR(RAND(100001), 18, 15) // 0.831051100158447
? STR(RAND(), 18, 15) // 0.557946857971956
See Also:
RANDOM()
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