RND
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Description
Return a random number.
Syntax
There are 3 possible syntax:
n = RND
n = RND(a, b)
n = RND(numeric_expression)
Returns
Number
Parameters
Name |
Type |
Optional |
Meaning |
a |
Number |
No |
Any numeric expression |
b |
Number |
No |
Any numeric expression |
numeric_expression |
Number |
No |
Any numeric expression |
Remarks
RND function has 3 different calling syntax.
Extended numeric syntax:
RND executed without any parameters returns a random Extended-precision floating point value that is less than 1, but greater than or equal to 0.
Numbers generated by RND aren't really random, but are the result of applying a pseudo-random transformation algorithm to a starting ("seed") value.
Given the same seed, RND algorithm always produces the same sequence of "random" numbers.
Integer class numeric syntax:
RND(a, b) returns a Long-integer in the range of a to b inclusive. a and b can each be a numeric literal or a numeric expression that evaluates within the full range of a Long-integer (-2,147,483,648 to 2,147,483,647). a can be higher or lower than b.
Special mode syntax:
When used with a single numeric expression argument, the value returned by RND depends on the numeric value you supply as the argument, as follows:
•with a positive argument, RND generates the next number in sequence based on the initial seed value;
•with an argument of 0, RND repeats the last number generated;
•a negative argument causes the random number generator to be re-seeded, so subsequent uses of RND with no argument or with a positive argument result in a new sequence of values.
Restrictions
See also
Examples