PowerTip: Use PowerShell to Simplify Working with Random Numbers

PowerTip: Use PowerShell to Simplify Working with Random Numbers

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Summary: Learn about using Windows PowerShell to generate random numbers.

Hey, Scripting Guy! Question How can I generate a random number?

Hey, Scripting Guy! Answer 

a. Use the Get-Random cmdlet.

b. Use the System.Random .NET Framework class, and call the next() method:

([random]5).next()

Hey, Scripting Guy! Question How can I generate a random number between the values of 1 and 10?

 Hey, Scripting Guy! Answer

a. Use the System.Random .NET Framework class, and call the next() method:

([random]5).next(“1”,”10”)

b. Use the Get-Random cmdlet:

Get-Random -Maximum 10 -Minimum 1

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  • hi

    with date:

    $date1 = get-date

    $date2 = (Get-Date).adddays(-2)

    $date2.adddays((new-object random).next(([TimeSpan]($date1-$date2)).Days + 1))

  • Can you seed the random number generator so you get the same sequence of random numbers each time? It's useful for making repeatable tests.

  • I like that idea.  A predictable random number.  That has great implecations for gaming strategies in Las Vegas.  Just think.  We could set it up so the dice always land in an exact set of 'shows'.  

    This could be a whole new area of mathematics.  Non-random randomness.

    ;)

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