Many computer programs require some amount of randomness. Video games, for example, need to be able to place objects in random locations. These random numbers are created using a tool known as a random number generator.
However, there is a problem with this. Computers only follow the instructions their programmers give them, and even then, programmers are limited to using a language that's ultimately based around math. Attempting to create randomness using math alone is simply impossible - a formula will always return the same answer. It can do no different.
The solution, then, is to use pseudo-random number generators. These are methods of creating what
looks like randomness. In other words, the "random" results of these methods are good enough for simple uses.
This website is a study of these pseudo-random number generators. Each generator is researched, implemented, and then run through a
small battery of tests to see how random and reliable the generator is.
