Library View Topics Framed Contents Revised Topics Previous Topic Next Topic Search Search ResultsPrevious Topic MatchNext Topic Match Notes List Notes Print Download No PDF Handheld DisconnectedHandheld ConnectedHelp

7.1.36 RANDOM
The RANDOM function returns a numeric value that is a pseudo-random number from a rectangular distribution.
The function type is numeric. 



    ___ Format _____________________________________________________________ 
   |                                                                        |
   | >>__FUNCTION RANDOM__ ______________ _______________________________>< |
   |                      |_(argument-1)_|                                  |
   |                                                                        |
   |________________________________________________________________________|
argument-1
If argument-1 is specified, it must be zero or a positive integer, up to and including (10**18)-1 which is the maximum value that can be specified in a PIC9(18) fixed item; however, only those in the range from zero up to and including 2,147,483,645 will yield a distinct sequence of pseudo-random numbers.
If a subsequent reference specifies argument-1, a new sequence of pseudo-random numbers is started.
If the first reference to this function in the run unit does not specify argument-1, the seed value used will be zero.
In each case, subsequent references without specifying argument-1 return the next number in the current sequence.
The returned value is exclusively between zero and one.
For a given seed value, the sequence of pseudo-random numbers will always be the same.

Previous Topic Next Topic © Copyright IBM Corp. 1991, 1998

IBM Library Server Copyright 1989, 2005 IBM Corporation. All rights reserved.




Return to library:   z/OS | z/OS.e | TPF | z/VSE | z/VM | IBM Hardware | IBM System z Redbooks
Glossary:   IBM terminology
Publications:   How to order publications
Readers:   Download IBM Library Reader | Download IBM Softcopy Reader | Download Adobe® Acrobat® Reader®
Library management:   Download IBM Softcopy Librarian
Contacts:   Contact z/OS

Adobe, the Adobe logo, Acrobat, the Acrobat logo, and Acrobat Reader are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems incorporated.