Linear congruential generator
A linear congruential generator is a deterministic pseudorandom number generator that repeatedly updates its state using a linear recurrence modulo a fixed modulus.
Hacking Cryptography
A deterministic pseudorandom number generator that repeatedly applies a linear congruence to produce values in a sequence.
- How it is used
- Uses LCGs to practice implementing PRNGs and exploiting predictable state.
- How deep it goes
- Derives and implements recovery of increment, multiplier, and modulus, then stops short of treating LCGs as secure generators.
- Examples
- Demonstrates C++ minstd_rand compatibility, a Go implementation, parameter recovery, and a cloned generator matching 100 outputs.
- What you can do after
- Diagnose weak PRNG designs by implementing an LCG, recovering its parameters, and predicting its subsequent outputs.
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Clojure: The Essential Reference
A linear congruential generator is a pseudorandom number algorithm that repeatedly applies a linear recurrence involving multiplication, addition or seeding, and modular reduction.
- How it is used
- Supports ordinary probabilistic choices and random values in Clojure applications.
- How deep it goes
- Explains seeding, multiplication, modular reduction, repetition, and statistical weaknesses without deriving the full recurrence.
- Examples
- Uses `rand`, `rand-int`, probabilistic questionnaire branching, and visualized random bits.
- What you can do after
- Apply Clojure's `rand` and `rand-int` for practical random choices while recognizing when LCG quality is insufficient.
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Related concepts
- pseudo-random number generatorkind of · A pseudorandom number generator is a deterministic computational process that uses an initial seed or internal state to produce a sequence with random-like statistical properties.
- Math.randomused by · Math.random is a function or method that returns a pseudorandom floating-point number greater than or equal to zero and less than one.
- cryptographycontrasts with · Cryptography is the study and application of mathematical techniques for protecting information and communications through confidentiality, integrity, authentication, and related security properties.
- stateused by · State is information or a configuration describing the condition of a system, entity, or computation at a particular time and potentially influencing subsequent behavior or decisions.
- generatorkind of · A generator is a language construct or computation that produces values incrementally on demand, typically suspending and resuming while preserving its state.
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