Random Number Generators vs Fixed Seed Generators

Developers should learn about RNGs when building secure systems (e meets developers should use fixed seed generators when they need reproducible results, such as in unit testing to verify consistent behavior, in scientific simulations to compare outcomes, or in machine learning to ensure model training is repeatable. Here's our take.

Random Number Generators

Nice Pick

Developers should learn about RNGs when building secure systems (e

Pros

• g
• Related to: cryptography, statistical-analysis

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Fixed Seed Generators

Developers should use fixed seed generators when they need reproducible results, such as in unit testing to verify consistent behavior, in scientific simulations to compare outcomes, or in machine learning to ensure model training is repeatable

Pros

• This is crucial for debugging, sharing research, and maintaining consistency across different runs or environments
• Related to: pseudorandom-number-generators, random-seed

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

Use Random Number Generators if: You want g and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.

Use Fixed Seed Generators if: You prioritize this is crucial for debugging, sharing research, and maintaining consistency across different runs or environments over what Random Number Generators offers.

The Bottom Line

Random Number Generators wins

Developers should learn about RNGs when building secure systems (e