There are various algorithms that are used to generate random numbers. But the question is – Are these numbers truly random if there are being generated by an algorithm? That is, we could repeat the algorithm to regenerate the random number. Since it’s an algorithm, there has to be a pattern and hence, the numbers will not be random.
For example, an algorithm might use the digits of a transcendental number like pi to generate random numbers. This is done by taking the digits of pi at regular intervals. Consider the value of pi upto a few decimal places : 3.1415926535897932384626.
Now, the algorithm would generate a random number 1(1st digit after the decimal place), then the next time, generate 5(the 4th digit after the decimal), then 6(the 7th digit), and then the 10th digit and so on.
The algorithm is hence a pseudo-random generator and not a true random generator. In fact, it is a pi-random generator since it uses the value of pi to generate randomness – or perhaps, pseudo-randomness. Hence, all algorithms need to use some reference to generate randomness and hence, they are all pseudo-random generators and not true random generators.
However, we can make the pseudo-randomness to be drived from more random sources (more random than the digits of pi) to approximate true randomness. The method used by this random number generator tool (by random.org) is atmospheric noise which makes it more random than the other algorithms. Try out the tool here to generate true randomness:
