Subject: Re: replace kernel random number function
To: Richard Rauch <rauch@eecs.ukans.edu>
From: Simon Burge <simonb@wasabisystems.com>
List: tech-kern
Date: 10/23/2000 13:47:51
Richard Rauch wrote:
> Um, something that no one has directly mentioned:
>
> If you were to go so far as to change random() to use rnd(), you'd be
> breaking a documented characteristic, wouldn't you? I.e., the ability to
> reseed random(), as with rand(), to reliably reproduce a sequence.
>
> ``True'' randomness may sometimes be desirable (as I gather is the intent
> rnd()'s entropy collection). But, simulations, for example, need to be
> able to regenerate the same sequence on-demand. (E.g., for testing.)
One thing to remember here is that we are talking about the in-kernel
random number generator. I'd imagine it'd be hard to set up some sort
of reproducable scenario in the kernel where using a known seed would be
useful. It's not something that a user is going to have any particular
control over...
Simon.
--
Simon Burge <simonb@wasabisystems.com>
NetBSD Sales, Support and Service: http://www.wasabisystems.com/