Generate a list of random numbers between X and Y.

sandyn · **Posted:** May 18th, 2010, 2:29 pm

Here is a function for creating a list of random numbers between 'myStart' and 'MyStop'. The output is an array 'MyRandoms[MyCount]' , where MyCount is the number of random numbers. The array starts at [1] not [0].

The script has not been error trapped. It will work where MyStop is greater than MyStart. MyStart can be zero, but negative numbers will crash it.

I'va also attached an imp which uses it.

Code:

function MyRandom(MyStart,MyStop)
 //The output from this function is an array MyRandoms[MyCount], where MyCount 
//is number of random numbers. The array starts at [1] not [0]
{
   
         MyList = new Array()
         n=parseInt(MyStart)   
         MyStop=parseInt(MyStop)
     while (n <= MyStop)   
         
           {
            MyList[n]=n
         n++   
           }
   
   
               // finish creating an array between from MyStart to MyStop   
               //------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   
              // this bit takes the list of numbers produced above and puts them into an array starting at 0
   
        count=0
        m=0
        MyShort=new Array()
        l=0//loop counter


            for(l=0; l<= (MyList.length-1);l++)
               {
                 if(MyList[l] != null)
                  {
                   count=count+1
                   MyShort[m]=MyList[l]
                   m++                   
                  }

               }
//-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
// This bit randomises the array of numbers(MyShort[] and puts them into a new arrayMyRandoms[]
                
        MyRandoms=new Array()
        MyCount = 1
        k=m           // k is the loop control 
        while (MyCount <= k)
           {
                MyLoop = true
                while (MyLoop == true)
                    {
                     myRandom = String.random(k)                  
                         if (MyShort[myRandom] != null)
                           { 
                            MyLoop = false                              
                           }
                   }

                 
         MyRandoms[MyCount] = MyShort[myRandom]
         MyShort[myRandom] = null
                  
            //Display list
            Debug.trace(MyRandoms[MyCount]+"   "+'\n')         
           MyCount++      
             
}
Debug.trace('\n'+'\n')

}//EOFunction

Sandy

NilsonBrasil · **Posted:** June 11th, 2010, 4:16 pm

Great Sandy.

This tip may apply in the use of random chapters as well, correct?

It's just one of the practical uses, but probably, other users of this forum will adapt this fabulous script to your own needs!

Great Post!

sandyn · **Posted:** June 11th, 2010, 9:53 pm

yes, it can be used for random chapters. I created a function, so it can be used in any application.

Sandy

Lar_123 · **Posted:** June 12th, 2010, 5:20 am

Nilson,

This would be a good opportunity to 'give thanks' to Sandyn FORMALLY via the give-thanks or give-gratitude feature of the Bulletin Board.

Hey... :oops:

I've looked and I cannot figure out HOW to do that.

NilsonBrasil · **Posted:** June 12th, 2010, 6:21 am

Why do you don't give thanks?

It's so easy! Even more to me, I live all the time asking for help!

And just click in the thanks button below the post thanks!

Thanks, Opus Lovers... Very Thankfull!! :lol:

internetsoftware · **Posted:** April 1st, 2011, 6:18 am

First of all i will thank Sandy for this script.
I have one question, the result is now displayed on a debug screen.
how can i store the result in a variable so that i can display the result one after each other.

Regards,

Ad

sandyn · **Posted:** April 1st, 2011, 1:12 pm

Hi,
The variable which holds the random number is 'MyRandoms[MyCount]' so it's already in a variable array. The variable is 'MyRandoms[n]' so to display the first in the series it would be MyRandoms[1].....I think the first element is 1 and not 0.... can't remember for sure.

For some reason which I can't figure out at the moment, when I try to display a dynamic array variable (MyRandoms[MyCount]) in a text box, it won't work, but there's an easy work-around
First you need to create a new variable (MyDisp) in the random script.
first create the variable as a publication variable.(select the publication, then properties, then variables etc)
then in the script add

Code:

MyDisp= MyRandoms[MyCount]

add this BEFORE MyCount++

To display the random number as they are selected.....create a text box. then right click on the text box and select insert variable from the pulldown menu, then select MyDisp from the pulldown list of variables.

you will also need to add a delay to the random loop so the numbers can be read

I thought a dynamic variable would display in a text box as a constant expression? It will display MyRandoms[1], but not MyRandoms[MyCount] both variables are declared as publication variables.

Sandy

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