Reference for Processing version 1.5. If you have a previous version, use the reference included with your software. If you see any errors or have suggestions, please let us know. If you prefer a more technical reference, visit the Processing Javadoc.

Name | ### random()
Examples |
    for(int i=0; i<100; i++) {
      float r = random(50);
      stroke(r*5);
      line(50, i, 50+r, i);
    }
    for (int i = 0; i < 100; i++) {
      float r = random(-50, 50);
      println(r);
    }
    // Get a random element from an array
    String[] words = { "apple", "bear", "cat", "dog" };
    int index = int(random(words.length));  // same as int(random(4))
    println(words[index]);  // prints one of the four words
Description | Generates random numbers. Each time the random() function is called, it returns an unexpected value within the specified range. If one parameter is passed to the function it will return a float between zero and the value of the high parameter. The function call random(5) returns values between 0 and 5 (starting at zero, up to but not including 5). If two parameters are passed, it will return a float with a value between the the parameters. The function call random(-5, 10.2) returns values starting at -5 up to (but not including) 10.2. To convert a floating-point random number to an integer, use the int() function.
Syntax |
    random(high);
    random(low, high);
Parameters |
high | int or float
low | int or float
Returns | float
Usage | Web & Application
Related | randomSeed() noise()

Updated on August 30, 2010 04:29:39pm EDT