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PHP rand() Function

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Example

Generate random numbers:

<?php
echo(rand() . "<br>");
echo(rand() . "<br>");
echo(rand(10,100));
?>
Run example »

Definition and Usage

The rand() function generates a random integer.

Tip: If you want a random integer between 10 and 100 (inclusive), use rand (10,100).

Tip: The mt_rand() function produces a better random value, and is 4 times faster than rand().

Syntax

rand();

or

rand(min,max);

Parameter Description
min Optional. Specifies the lowest number to be returned. Default is 0
max Optional. Specifies the highest number to be returned. Default is getrandmax()

Technical Details

Return Value: A random integer between min (or 0) and max (or getrandmax() inclusive)
Return Type: Integer
PHP Version: 4+
PHP Changelog: PHP 4.2.0: Random number generator is seeded automatically

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