Pseudo Random Number Generators vs True Random Number Generators

Developers should learn and use PRNGs when they need efficient, repeatable random-like sequences for applications such as Monte Carlo simulations, procedural content generation in games, or testing software where consistent results are necessary meets developers should learn and use trngs when building systems that require high levels of security and unpredictability, such as cryptographic key generation, secure authentication tokens, or lottery systems. Here's our take.

Pseudo Random Number Generators

Nice Pick

Developers should learn and use PRNGs when they need efficient, repeatable random-like sequences for applications such as Monte Carlo simulations, procedural content generation in games, or testing software where consistent results are necessary

Pros

• They are essential in cryptography for generating keys and nonces, though care must be taken to use cryptographically secure PRNGs to prevent vulnerabilities
• Related to: cryptography, algorithm-design

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

True Random Number Generators

Developers should learn and use TRNGs when building systems that require high levels of security and unpredictability, such as cryptographic key generation, secure authentication tokens, or lottery systems

Pros

• They are critical in applications where pseudorandomness could be exploited, such as in encryption algorithms or online casinos, to ensure fairness and prevent attacks
• Related to: cryptography, pseudorandom-number-generators

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

Use Pseudo Random Number Generators if: You want they are essential in cryptography for generating keys and nonces, though care must be taken to use cryptographically secure prngs to prevent vulnerabilities and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.

Use True Random Number Generators if: You prioritize they are critical in applications where pseudorandomness could be exploited, such as in encryption algorithms or online casinos, to ensure fairness and prevent attacks over what Pseudo Random Number Generators offers.

The Bottom Line

Pseudo Random Number Generators wins

Developers should learn and use PRNGs when they need efficient, repeatable random-like sequences for applications such as Monte Carlo simulations, procedural content generation in games, or testing software where consistent results are necessary