How to Convert `uint64` to `int64` Without Losing Statistical Properties?

Converting uint64 to int64 Without Data Loss

The code provided:

<code class="go">var x uint64 = 18446744073709551615
var y int64 = int64(x)</code>

results in y becoming -1. This is not due to data loss, but rather the representation of the maximum uint64 value in int64. Both 18446744073709551615 and -1 represent the same binary value 0xFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF.

However, the concern raised regarding preserving statistical properties of a random number generator is valid. In this case, using an encoder and decoder is not necessary.

To convert uint64 to int64 without altering its statistical properties:

<code class="go">var x uint64 = 18446744073709551615 - 3
var y int64 = int64(x)</code>

Here, x has been decremented by 3, resulting in y having the value -4. This operation maintains the binary representation of the number, ensuring that statistical properties are preserved.

For example:

<code class="go">var x uint64 = 18446744073709551615 - 3
var y int64 = int64(x)
fmt.Printf("%b\n", x) // Prints: 1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111100
fmt.Printf("%b or %d\n", y, y) // Prints: -100 or -4</code>

This demonstrates that the statistical properties of the random number generator remain intact during conversion.

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