Pseudo-random number generator

An algorithm for generating a sequence of numbers whose properties approximate the properties of sequences of random numbers. The PRNG-generated sequence is not truly random, because it is completely determined by an initial value, called the “seed” (which may include truly random values). Although sequences that are closer to truly random can be generated using hardware random number generators, pseudo-random number generators are important in practice for their speed in number generation and their reproducibility. Careful mathematical analysis is required to have confidence that a PRNG generates numbers that are sufficiently close to random to suit the intended use. ← Wikipedia