rand() to generate random integer in PHP

Generate an ordinary pseudo-random integer

rand() can generate a pseudo-random integer in an inclusive range. It is suitable for ordinary non-security uses; use random_int() when the value must be unpredictable.

$number = rand(1, 10);
echo $number;

echo rand(); // Output varies

echo rand(8,10); // Random Output starting from 8 to 10

Syntax

int rand(int $min, int $max)

$min and $max are optional together and define the inclusive range. Since PHP 7.1, rand() uses the same generator as mt_rand(). For newly written code, prefer Random\Randomizer; use random_int() when unpredictability is required.

This output is not cryptographically secure values , so for cryptographically secure value, consider using random_int(), random_bytes

Note that here we are generating a random number only. To get any random characters we can use arrays. The details on how to generate random characters is available here.

Generate a fixed-length digit string

This example creates five digits. It is a display string, so a leading zero is preserved.

Here it is

<?Php
$no_of_digits=5;
$var='';
for($i=1; $i<=$no_of_digits; $i++){
$var .=rand(0,9);
}
echo "<br>Random Value = $var"; 
?>

Example output:

Random Value = 33369

Example: Generating Random Floats

$random_float = mt_rand() / mt_getrandmax();
echo $random_float;

Repeatable sequences belong in the mt_srand() lesson

Manual seeding changes the global Mersenne Twister state. Use it only when you deliberately need repeatable demonstration or test data. See mt_srand().

How to generate random string having alphabets and digits

Math Functions random_int(): cryptographically secure pseudo-random integers Rounding off value

Subhendu Mohapatra

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rand(): Random integer generator

Generate an ordinary pseudo-random integer

Generate a fixed-length digit string

Example: Generating Random Floats

Repeatable sequences belong in the mt_srand() lesson

Subhendu Mohapatra