Software Random Number Generator
A software random number generator (RNG) is a computational algorithm or system that produces sequences of numbers that appear random, typically used in applications requiring unpredictability such as cryptography, simulations, and gaming. It can be implemented as a pseudorandom number generator (PRNG) using deterministic algorithms seeded with an initial value, or as a true random number generator (TRNG) that derives randomness from physical processes like hardware noise. These generators are essential for security protocols, statistical sampling, and randomized algorithms in software development.
Developers should learn and use software RNGs when building applications that require secure randomness, such as cryptographic key generation, secure token creation, or encryption systems to prevent predictability attacks. They are also crucial in simulations, Monte Carlo methods, and game development for generating fair and unpredictable outcomes, ensuring data integrity and user trust in probabilistic systems.