In writing games and learning software, we use the Rnd
function to introduce randomness. This insures different results
each time you try a program. The Visual Basic function Rnd returns
a single precision, random number between 0 and 1 (actually greater
than or equal to 0 and less than 1). To produce random integers (I)
between Imin and Imax, use the formula:
I = Int((Imax - Imin + 1) * Rnd) + Imin
The random number generator in Visual Basic must be seeded.
A Seed value initializes the generator. The Randomize statement
is used to do this:
Randomize Seed
If you use the same Seed each time you run your application,
the same sequence of random numbers will be generated.
To insure you get different numbers every time you use your
application (preferred for games), use the Timer function
to seed the generator:
Randomize Timer
Place this statement in the Form_Load event procedure.
Examples:
To roll a six-sided die, the number of spots would be computed using:
NumberSpots = Int(6 * Rnd) + 1
To randomly choose a number between 100 and 200, use:
