RAND(3C)                             SysV                             RAND(3C)



NAME
     rand, srand - simple random-number generator

SYNOPSIS
     #include <stdlib.h>

     int rand()

     void srand(seed)
     unsigned int seed;

DESCRIPTION
     The rand function computes a sequence of pseudo-random integers in the
     range 0 to RAND_MAX, using a multiplicative congruential random-number
     generator with period 2^32.  Successive calls to rand return successive
     numbers in the sequence.

     The srand function uses its argument as a seed for a new sequence of
     psuedo-random numbers to be generated by subsequent calls to rand.  A
     given value for seed will always cause rand to generate the same sequence
     of numbers.

     If rand is called before srand is called, rand behaves as if seeded with
     a value of 1.

NOTES
     The spectral properties of rand are limited.  drand48 (see drand48(3C))
     provides a much better, though more elaborate, random-number generator.

SEE ALSO
     drand48(3C).