9 Random Number Functions

Sequences of pseudo-random numbers in GMP are generated using a variable of type gmp_randstate_t, which holds an algorithm selection and a current state. Such a variable must be initialized by a call to one of the gmp_randinit functions, and can be seeded with one of the gmp_randseed functions.

The functions actually generating random numbers are described in Integer Random Numbers, and Miscellaneous Float Functions.

The older style random number functions don’t accept a gmp_randstate_t parameter but instead share a global variable of that type. They use a default algorithm and are currently not seeded (though perhaps that will change in the future). The new functions accepting a gmp_randstate_t are recommended for applications that care about randomness.