Random Number Generator

A random number is a number chosen from a pool of limited or unlimited numbers that has no discernible pattern for prediction. The pool of numbers is almost always independent from each other, but may follow a specific distribution. A random number generator can be hardware based or pseudo-random number generator. Hardware based generators can involve dice, coins, or other physical devices. A pseudo-random number generator is an algorithm for generating a sequence of numbers whose properties approximate those of truly random sequences. Computer based random number generators are almost always pseudo-random. The numbers generated by pseudo-random number generators are not truly random; they are sufficient for most applications but should not be used for cryptographic purposes.