Random number problem

[tshad]

I am trying to create some random numbers to create an ID and am having
problems with getting the same number over and over.

I have a function:

Function RandomNumber(mi n as Integer, max as Integer) as integer
Dim random as Random = new Random()
RandomNumber = random.Next(min , max)
End Function

If I call this 3 times:

id = RandomNumber(0, 10))
id = RandomNumber(0, 10))
id = RandomNumber(0, 10))

I will get the same number each time.

I assume this is because it is based on the clock and uses the same seed if
call one after another. Is there a good way around this?

Thanks,

Tom

[AMercer]

RE: Random number problem

> I am trying to create some random numbers to create an ID and am having[color=blue]
> problems with getting the same number over and over.
>
> Function RandomNumber(mi n as Integer, max as Integer) as integer
> Dim random as Random = new Random()
> RandomNumber = random.Next(min , max)
> End Function
>[/color]

Replace Dim with Static:
Static random As New Random
What you want to do is call random.Next on the same object over and over
again. You don't want to make a new instance at every call.

[tshad]

Re: Random number problem

"AMercer" <AMercer@discus sions.microsoft .com> wrote in message
news:2DC502DF-7C61-4D08-8C17-9F1D694F24B9@mi crosoft.com...[color=blue][color=green]
>> I am trying to create some random numbers to create an ID and am having
>> problems with getting the same number over and over.
>>
>> Function RandomNumber(mi n as Integer, max as Integer) as integer
>> Dim random as Random = new Random()
>> RandomNumber = random.Next(min , max)
>> End Function
>>[/color]
>
> Replace Dim with Static:
> Static random As New Random
> What you want to do is call random.Next on the same object over and over
> again. You don't want to make a new instance at every call.[/color]

That was what I needed.

Thanks,

Tom

[Jim Wooley]

Re: Random number problem

> I am trying to create some random numbers to create an ID and am[color=blue]
> having problems with getting the same number over and over.
>
> I assume this is because it is based on the clock and uses the same
> seed if call one after another. Is there a good way around this?[/color]

In 2005, you may want to look into the Cryptography namespace, specifically
System.Security .Cryptography.R andomNumberGene rator. It is more reliable in
terms of creating true random results.

Jim Wooley