Pseudorandom Number Generator vs Hardware Random 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 meets developers should use hrngs when building systems that demand high-security standards, such as encryption key generation, secure authentication tokens, or cryptographic protocols, where predictable randomness could lead to vulnerabilities. Here's our take.

Pseudorandom Number Generator

Nice Pick

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

Hardware Random Number Generator

Developers should use HRNGs when building systems that demand high-security standards, such as encryption key generation, secure authentication tokens, or cryptographic protocols, where predictable randomness could lead to vulnerabilities

Pros

• They are also valuable in scientific simulations, gambling applications, or any scenario where statistical randomness is critical and pseudorandomness from algorithms might introduce bias or be insufficient
• Related to: cryptography, security-hardware

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

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

The Bottom Line

Pseudorandom Number Generator wins

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