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random

Generate a random number

Description

Outputs random numbers within the range between 0 and 1 less than the argument specified.

Examples

Generate random events, or make decisions based on probability

Arguments

range [int]

Optional

Sets an initial limit to the random output. The output will always be between 0 and one less than this maximum limit. If there is no argument, the limit is initially set to 1, which causes random to output 0 whenever it receives a bang.

seed [int]

Optional

A second argument is used to set a "seed" value for the random generator. If no argument is specified, the time value will be used to initialize the seed.

Attributes

Common Box Attributes

annotation [symbol]

Sets the text that will be displayed in the Clue window when the user moves the mouse over the object.

background [int] (default: 0)

Adds or removes the object from the patcher's background layer. background 1 adds the object to the background layer, background 0 removes it. Objects in the background layer are shown behind all objects in the default foreground layer.

color [4 floats]

Sets the color for the object box outline.

fontface [int]

Sets the type style used by the object. The options are:

plain
bold
italic
bold italic

Possible values:

0 = 'regular'
1 = 'bold'
2 = 'italic'
3 = 'bold italic'

fontname [symbol]

Sets the object's font.

fontsize [float]

Sets the object's font size (in points).

Possible values:

'8'
'9'
'10'
'11'
'12'
'13'
'14'
'16'
'18'
'20'
'24'
'30'
'36'
'48'
'64'
'72'

hidden [int] (default: 0)

Toggles whether an object is hidden when the patcher is locked.

hint [symbol]

Sets the text that will be displayed in as a pop-up hint when the user moves the mouse over the object in a locked patcher.

ignoreclick [int] (default: 0)

Toggles whether an object ignores mouse clicks in a locked patcher.

patching_rect [4 floats] (default: 0. 0. 100. 0.)

Sets the position and size of the object in the patcher window.

position [2 floats]

g/s(set)

Sets the object's x and y position in both patching and presentation modes (if the object belongs to its patcher's presentation), leaving its size unchanged.

presentation [int] (default: 0)

Sets whether an object belongs to the patcher's presentation.

presentation_rect [4 floats] (default: 0. 0. 0. 0.)

Sets the x and y position and width and height of the object in the patcher's presentation, leaving its patching position unchanged.

rect [4 floats]

g/s(set)

Sets the x and y position and width and height of the object in both patching and presentation modes (if the object belongs to its patcher's presentation).

size [2 floats]

g/s(set)

Sets the object's width and height in both patching and presentation modes (if the object belongs to its patcher's presentation), leaving its position unchanged.

textcolor [float]

Sets the color for the object's text in RGBA format.

textjustification [int]

Text Justification

Possible values:

0 = 'left'
1 = 'center'
2 = 'right'

varname [symbol]

Sets the patcher's scripting name, which can be used to address the object by name in pattr, scripting messages to thispatcher, and the js object.

Messages

bang

In left inlet: Sends out a randomly generated number between 0 and one less than its maximum limit.

seed

Arguments

seed-value [int]
In left inlet: The word seed, followed by a number, provides a "seed" value for the random generator, which causes a specific (reproducible) sequence of pseudo-random numbers to occur. The number 0 uses the time elapsed since system startup (an unpredictable value) as the seed, ensuring an unpredictable sequence of numbers. This unpredictable seed is used by default when the random object is created.

Output

int

When a bang is received in the left inlet, random generates a random number between 0 and one less than its maximum limit.

See Also

Name Description
decide Choose randomly between 1 and 0
drunk Output random numbers within a step range
urn Generate random numbers without duplicates
Max Basic Tutorial 10: Random Drawing Max Basic Tutorial 10: Random Drawing