Re: best approach to generate random number in java

From: Alex Hunsley (lard_at_tardis.ed.ac.molar.uk)
Date: 10/13/04 

Date: Wed, 13 Oct 2004 20:13:28 GMT

Paul Lutus wrote:
> Matt Humphrey wrote:
>
> / ...
>
>
>>>Yes, all fine, but my point is that "random" is a superlative term.
>>>Therefore saying "more random" is like saying "more perfect".
>>
>>I agree that the lay definition of random as meaning without design or
>>arbitrary is superlative, but when speaking of random number generators
>>there are many grades of randomness (e.g. perfectly, truly) and so in this
>>context the term is not superlative.
>
>
> Even here, random means random, and in the past I have been called on using
> "random" to mean sort of random, many times. But your point is appropriate
> for everyday use.

Random, in the context of computer programming, is generally accepted as
meaning pseudo-random (whether or not it should be is another matter). I
suppose things are this way because truly random sequences require
something non-alorithmic such as RNG hardware which usually isn't there
in most cases.
So it's perfectly clear, to me anyway, what someone means in this
context by "more random", and IMHO it's quite acceptable.
In everyday life (or perhaps mathematics), "more random" wouldn't make
much sense.

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