To generate a random number in php 4.2.0+ you can use

$number = rand();
$number = ran(0,1000);

The first one creates a random number between zero and the max random number value, RAND_MAX.

In earlier PHP versions, the random number generator requires a seed before it can be used. Here is the example provided by php.net

<?php
// seed with microseconds
function make_seed()
{
   list($usec, $sec) = explode(' ', microtime());
   return (float) $sec + ((float) $usec * 100000);
}
srand(make_seed());
$randval = rand();
?> 

I have found other people suggesting a google search for "Mersenne Twister" to achieve greater randomness. I have not followed the lead since "somewhat random" is enough for my current applications.

Originally Posted by Skylinux @ 2006-01-17 22:33:04

 

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