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JSI Tip 8559. How can I generate a better random number using only standard commands?


I discussed random numbers in tip 3239 » %RANDOM% generates a random integer in the range of 0 - 32767, and tip 7375 » Random freeware sets %ERRORLEVEL% to a random number between the lowerbound and upperbound parameters.

I have scripted RNmbr.bat to generate a random number that is seeded with the current time.

The syntax for using RNmbr.bat is:

RNmbr VAR

Where VAR is a call directed numeric environment variable that will contain the random number.

RNmbr.bat contains:

@echo off
if \{%1\}==\{\} @echo Syntax RNmbr VAR&goto :EOF
call set %1=%time::=%
call set %1=%%%1: 0=%%%
call set %1=%%%1:.=-%%%
call set %1=%%%1:-0=-%%%
call set /a %1=%RANDOM% * %%%1%%%



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