What do you need the random number to do?
pick a record in a table, if the random number is < 1 or > the number
of records in the file, get another number and repeat until done.
Simple stuff, have seen it done many times but never needed to write
the generator interface - and is one of those things you usually just
don't ask too many questions about over the years.
The record is the winner of a real estate drawing, for example.
I am not too concerned about scrutiny as long as I apply the industry
standard rather than dream up a methodology that no one knows how it
is derived. The backdrop of my position on this topic might be
summarized in a a term we commonly see, security by obscurity. I think
obscurity is not a good idea for obtaining a random number.
And the reason I mentioned "DB randomizing" functionality is that all
platforms will have a DB with some sort of random number function.
Ideally, the same standardized function call. I found my test results
totally predicatble on at least one platform.
The requirements are simple:
-Needs to be able to work in iSeries and WIN model and preferably any
unix type implementation.
-can be documented
Method of deriving is important, language is not and unless "C" or "OS
/ API call" per platform, it will be converted. It is common for me to
utilize code that first determines what platform it is currently on
before calling the API, so this is expected.
After reading some of the emails & links, this seemingly would be
easier if two contest managers signed off on a "air blown" ball....but
you could need half a million uniquely numbered balls. Uggh.
midrange.com
