lcg_value(): Combined linear congruential generator
Use Random\Randomizer for new float generation
lcg_value() is deprecated as of PHP 8.4. For PHP 8.3 and later, use Random\Randomizer::getFloat() when you need a uniformly selected float in a chosen interval.
<?php
$randomizer = new Random\Randomizer();
$value = $randomizer->getFloat(0.0, 1.0);
echo $value;
?>
lcg_value() is retained here for understanding older PHP code. It should not be the starting point for new projects.Legacy lcg_value() syntax
float lcg_value()
The function returns a pseudo-random float around the interval from 0 to 1. It is not cryptographically secure, and PHP 8.4 deprecates it.
Legacy example
<?php
$value = lcg_value();
echo $value;
?>
Generate an integer in a range
Do not scale lcg_value() with multiplication to create integer ranges. Use Random\Randomizer::getInt() or random_int() instead.
<?php
$randomizer = new Random\Randomizer();
$roll = $randomizer->getInt(1, 6);
echo $roll;
?>
Probability check with nextFloat()
On PHP 8.3+, nextFloat() returns a float from the right-open interval [0.0, 1.0), which is convenient for probability checks.
<?php
$randomizer = new Random\Randomizer();
$eventOccurs = $randomizer->nextFloat() < 0.3;
echo $eventOccurs ? 'Event occurs' : 'Event does not occur';
?>
Math Functions random_int(): secure random integers mt_rand(): legacy/global Mersenne Twister API
Subhendu Mohapatra
Author & Instructor at plus2net
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