MiddleSquareGenerator

MiddleSquareGenerator is a pseudorandom number generator algorithm. It was developed by John von Neumann in the 1940s. The algorithm generates a sequence of numbers that appear random but are actually determined by a deterministic process.

The MiddleSquareGenerator algorithm works by taking a number, squaring it, and then extracting the middle digits of the resulting square. This process is then repeated using the extracted digits as the new starting number. For example, if we start with the number 50, we square it to get 2500. The middle digits are 50. Repeating the process, squaring 50 gives 2500 again. If we start with 76, squaring it gives 5776. The middle digits are 77. Squaring 77 gives 5929. The middle digits are 92. This process continues to generate a sequence of numbers.

While historically significant, the MiddleSquareGenerator is generally not considered suitable for modern cryptographic or statistical applications. Its main drawback is that the sequences can become short and degenerate quickly, meaning they might repeat after only a few numbers. This is especially true for numbers with few digits. Also, the distribution of generated numbers might not be uniformly random, which is a requirement for many statistical simulations. Its simplicity makes it a good educational tool for understanding the basic concepts of pseudorandom number generation.