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xkcd #221: Random Number (9 Nov 2007)
(programming.dev)
cross-posted from: https://programming.dev/post/8677292
Transcript:
[A computer program.]
int getRandomNumber() { return 4; // chosen by fair dice roll. // guaranteed to be random. }
Hover Text:
RFC 1149.5 specifies 4 as the standard IEEE-vetted random number.
I generate a random number and then use that number as a seed. I then generate a random number. Then I use that number as a seed. I then generate a random number. I divide that number by a random prime number picked in a similar fashion. I take the last n-digits of the remainder and that's the random number I give to a user.
Was it 4?
maybe
42
That's already pretty cool! It surely does generate very random numbers. I still think you can take it a step – or a random number of steps, hah! – further by repeating the process a random number of times! Maybe this way we can reach maximum randomness. Probably need to reroll the number until it's big enough for that.
I would also check if the result is 4. If it's 4, it should be discarded. 4 is not an actual random number but a joke random number from a comic.