Generator of random numbers, which is supposed to generate random numbers using specific patterns (algorithms). Because the use of an algorithm to generate a random number that is not intended to be described by any pattern is contradictory in itself, often the numbers obtained in this way are called pseudorandom numbers.

In practice, generating numbers using a computer generates numbers with very good statistical properties (they fulfill the required randomness and independence tests), and hence the notions of random numbers and pseudorandom numbers are often identified. Moreover, in modern generators of this type, the actual time, the weather conditions (temperature, pressure), or other such numbers based on unpredictable events (random) are used as parameters. This increases the credibility of pseudorandom numbers and justifies treating them as random.

• Random number generator