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The Random Module

random.lat

The random module provides techniques for generating random numbers.

Load Effects

When the random module is loaded, a new global dynamic variable $random is defined. It stores the current random number generator. This global variable can contain any traditional object which defines a next method. The next method should return a random nonnegative integer. The default value of this variable is the NativeRandom singleton object.

To make the random module useful, $random should be overriden to be a useful random number generator. MersenneTwister and NativeRandom are generators provided by this module.

Additionally, the module defines a global $mersenne slot, which should have type MersenneConfig. New MersenneTwister objects will draw their configuration information from this object. This slot should usually not need to be modified.

Module Methods

nextInt.

Uses the current random number generator $random to produce a random number. Equivalent to $random next.

The Native Random Object

This is the default random number generator, which simply delegates to the operating system’s random number function.

Simple Slots

NativeRandom toString := "NativeRandom".

Methods

NativeRandom next.

Produces a random number from the generator.

The Mersenne Twister Object

MersenneTwister := Object clone.

The Mersenne Twister is a simple pseudorandom number generator appropriate for use in $random. New Mersenne Twister objects can be constructed using make.

Simple Slots

MersenneTwister toString := "MersenneTwister".

Methods

MersenneTwister config.

Returns the object’s configuration data, as a MersenneConfig object.

MersenneTwister next.

Produces the next random number from the generator.

Static Methods

MersenneTwister make (seed).

Given a nonnegative integer seed, generates a new MersenneTwister object. The object’s configuration data is constructed by cloning $mersenne.

The Mersenne Configuration Object

MersenneConfig := Object clone.

This object contains configuration details for a MersenneTwister object. In general, programmers should not need to operate directly with this object.

Simple Slots

MersenneConfig toString := "MersenneConfig".
MersenneConfig w := #<???>.
MersenneConfig n := #<???>.
MersenneConfig m := #<???>.
MersenneConfig r := #<???>.
MersenneConfig a := #<???>.
MersenneConfig u := #<???>.
MersenneConfig d := #<???>.
MersenneConfig s := #<???>.
MersenneConfig b := #<???>.
MersenneConfig t := #<???>.
MersenneConfig c := #<???>.
MersenneConfig l := #<???>.
MersenneConfig f := #<???>.

Methods

MersenneConfig clone.

Cloning a MersenneConfig object explicitly copies the numerical parameters of the object.

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