rand.c function – rand C Library Function

rand.c function: The function int rand(void); returns a pseudo random integer number between 0 and RAND_MAX. RAND_MAX is a constant defined in stdlib standard library, it’s value is library dependent, but is guaranteed to be at least 32767. The function rand uses a seed to generate the series, which should be initialize using srand. If seed remains the same, then rand function generates same sequence of random numbers.

  • In range of 0 – N : rand() % N+1.
  • In range of 1 – N : (rand() % N) + 1.
  • In range of N – M : (rand() % M-N+1) + N.

Function prototype of rand

int rand(void);

Return value of rand

Rand() c function: This function returns an integer between 0 and RAND_MAX.

C program using rand function

Rand function c: The following program shows the use of rand function to generate a sequence of pseudo random numbers.

rand C Library Function

#include <stdio.h>
#include <stdlib.h>
 
int main(){
    unsigned int seed;
    int n, counter;
 
    printf("Enter a unsigned number(seed)\n");
    scanf("%u", &seed);
     
    /* Initialize random number generator using srand */
    srand(seed);
     
    printf("Enter number of random numbers\n");
    scanf("%d", &n);
    for(counter=0; counter < n; counter++){
        printf("%d ", rand());
    }
     
    return 0;
}

Output

Enter a unsigned number(seed)
234
Enter number of random numbers
7
802 32478 7150 29924 30401 13148 15783