Pseudorandom Number Generator (prng)
Pseudorandom Number Generator (prng): Software algorithm that, given an initial seed value, generates a sequence of numbers that approximate the properties of…
Definition
Software algorithm that, given an initial seed value, generates a sequence of numbers that approximate the properties of random numbers (for instance, the next pseudorandom number cannot be predicted from any previous numbers in the sequence) but can be reproduced if one knows the seed. If the initial seed is a random seed, the sequence can be used as a random sample.
Alternative Definitions
- Definition 2
A deterministic computational process that has one or more inputs called "s eeds", and it outputs a sequence of values that appears to be random according to specified statistical tests. A cryptographic PRNG has the additional property that the output is unpredictable, given that the seed is not known.
- Definition 3
(PRNG) An algorithm that produces a sequence of bits that are uniquely determined from an initial value called a seed. The output of the PRNG “appears” to be random, i.e., the output is statistically indistinguishable from random values. A cryptographic PRNG has the additional property that the output is unpredictable, given that the seed is not known. (CNSSI-4009) (NISTIR)