Is std::random_device Truly Random in mingw gcc4.8.1?

Deterministic Randomness: std::random_device in mingw gcc4.8.1

Despite the implication in its name, std::random_device may not always provide genuinely random numbers. As noted in cppreference.com, this functionality may be simulated using a pseudo-random number engine if a true non-deterministic source is unavailable.

In the case of mingw gcc4.8.1, experimentation has revealed that std::random_device consistently generates the same sequence of numbers for every program run. This deterministic behavior is likely intentional, highlighting the non-random nature of the output.

Achieving True Randomness

To obtain truly non-deterministic output, consider these alternatives:

1. Seed with a True Random Source: If available, use a hardware or system-level random generator to seed the Mersenne-Twister engine.
2. Use an Alternative std::random_device Implementation: Investigate other implementations of std::random_device that may provide true randomness.
3. Consider Other Random Libraries: Explore alternative open-source libraries, such as Boost.Random or Libcint , which offer robust random number generation capabilities.

By utilizing these techniques, you can break the deterministic behavior of std::random_device in mingw gcc4.8.1 and generate true random numbers for your applications.

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