To generate a random number, you can use the PHP rand () or mt_rand () function. The requirement to use random numbers often arises in practice for naming variables, files, creating key information, and ensuring security.
Randomness and uniqueness
The PHP random function is represented by two options: rand () and mt_rand (). It is believed that the algorithm in the first case is simpler and generates pseudorandom numbers. The second option has a faster algorithm and well-known mathematical characteristics. In most cases when you need to get a random number, you can use a series of PHP calls random and get a unique combination of numbers.
If you take as a basis the numbers from 1 to 26 or from 1 to 32 and get them randomly, then you can generate key information as a sequence of letters of the Latin alphabet or Cyrillic alphabet. In this case, PHP random is a way of forming a sequence of alphabetic information, for example, for testing communication channels or algorithms.
A random number is rarely unique, because it can appear repeatedly according to the law of distribution of a random variable. But if you combine, in particular, the static variable PHP & Math.random of the JavaScript language, you can get a real unique random number that will not be repeated in time.
Using the time function
The time function, both PHP and JavaScript, allows you to create unique combinations of numbers, rarely when a sufficiently large number of events can occur at one moment in time and a random value will be repeated.
Using PHP random in the range of seconds or milliseconds with a wide range of possible values, you can get unique random combinations of numbers or letters. What else?
Combining the value of the time function, a sequentially growing number and PHP random or JavaScript Math.random, you can ensure reliable security of the client and server communication channels, create unique codes for variables, and generate unpredictable events in algorithms.
PHP random number generator is an excellent solution for most tasks, especially when you need to quickly get a high-quality result with minimal cost. Using the rand () and mt_rand functions in conjunction with successively growing series of numbers or time values allows you to get random numbers, both repeating in value and unique.