Random Numbers Flashcards
Computers are described as deterministic, rather than non-deterministic, what does that mean?
When a system is deterministic given the same input, there is always the same output. A non-deterministic system is one that for the same input can have more than one output – there is no way of predetermining the system’s exact behaviour.
What are the two main approaches to generating random numbers using a computer?
Pseudo-Random Number Generators and True Random Number Generators
What are the pros and cons of PRNGs?
They are efficient, however they are deterministic and periodic. Nowadays that periodicity however is so long that it is often ignored.
What are the characteristics of TRNGs?
They’re inefficient, but nondeterministic and aperiodic.
What is a major disadvantage of TRNGs (excluding inefficiency)?
Programs using TRNGs are difficult to debug.
What is a major disadvantage of PRNGs?
Numbers eventually repeat themselves.
