True Random Number Generation
True Random Number Generation (TRNG) is a cryptographic and computational concept that produces random numbers from physical, unpredictable processes rather than deterministic algorithms. It relies on entropy sources like atmospheric noise, radioactive decay, or hardware-based thermal noise to generate numbers that are inherently non-reproducible and statistically random. This contrasts with pseudo-random number generation, which uses mathematical formulas to simulate randomness.
Developers should learn and use TRNG in security-critical applications such as cryptography, encryption key generation, secure authentication tokens, and gambling systems where predictability could lead to vulnerabilities or unfairness. It is essential when high-quality randomness is required to prevent attacks like brute-force or statistical analysis, such as in blockchain technologies, secure communications, and scientific simulations that demand genuine randomness.