How do you generate random numbers in PHP? - Answers

Use the function "rand()" or "mt_rand()". Both functions will generate a random number (as a return value, so be sure to make it point to a variable - see examples). However, "rand()" is slower and uses a default PHP randomizing system. mt_rand() is four times as fast, and uses the Mersenne Twister randomizing format - which is much more random. Both functions have two optional parameters - a minimum integer and a maximum integer, respectively. By filling in these parameters, you will get a random number between the values you give (so, giving one and five will give you a random number that is no less than one, and no greater than five). These, again, are optional - and if left blank, the tiniest integer possible is no less than 0, and the largest integer possible is generated by the PHP function "getrandmax()" / "mt_getrandmax()" automatically. Examples, of which all are acceptable: ---- /* Examples using no parameters */ $randomNumber = rand(); $randomNumber = mt_rand(); /* Examples using parameters */ $randomNumber = rand(1, 5); $randomNumber = mt_rand(6, 10); ---- If your PHP build is version 4.2 or under, you will need to seed the random number generator with a value to base off of. "srand()" and "mt_srand()" (to be used with rand() and mt_rand() functions, respectively) can be used in this case. They both only have one optional parameter, which is any seed value - any number. If omitted, a random seed will be generated. More acceptable examples: ---- // Example using no parameters srand(); $randomNumber = rand(); // Example using the seed parameter srand(12345); $randomNumber = rand(); // Example using the "mt" random format functions (without parameters) mt_Rand(); $randomNumber = mt_rand(); // Example using the "mt" random format (with parameters) mt_rand(12345); $randomNumber = mt_rand(); ----