Hardware Random Number Generator vs Pseudorandom Number Generator

Developers should use HRNGs when building systems that demand high-security randomness, such as cryptographic key generation, secure authentication tokens, or gambling applications, to prevent predictability attacks meets developers should learn about prngs when building applications that require random-like behavior, such as video games for procedural generation, simulations for modeling complex systems, or cryptographic systems for generating keys and nonces. Here's our take.

Hardware Random Number Generator

Nice Pick

Developers should use HRNGs when building systems that demand high-security randomness, such as cryptographic key generation, secure authentication tokens, or gambling applications, to prevent predictability attacks

Pros

• They are essential in environments where software entropy sources are insufficient or compromised, ensuring robust security in financial, military, or sensitive data processing contexts
• Related to: cryptography, security-engineering

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Pseudorandom Number Generator

Developers should learn about PRNGs when building applications that require random-like behavior, such as video games for procedural generation, simulations for modeling complex systems, or cryptographic systems for generating keys and nonces

Pros

• They are essential in scenarios where performance and reproducibility are prioritized over true randomness, as PRNGs are faster and more predictable than hardware-based random number generators
• Related to: cryptography, statistical-simulation

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

These tools serve different purposes. Hardware Random Number Generator is a tool while Pseudorandom Number Generator is a concept. We picked Hardware Random Number Generator based on overall popularity, but your choice depends on what you're building.

The Bottom Line

Hardware Random Number Generator wins

Based on overall popularity. Hardware Random Number Generator is more widely used, but Pseudorandom Number Generator excels in its own space.