Pseudoaléatoire

Pseudoaléatoire is a term used to describe sequences of numbers that appear random but are generated by a deterministic algorithm. These sequences are not truly random because they are produced by a predictable process. However, they exhibit statistical properties that are similar to those of true random numbers, making them useful in many applications.

The generation of pseudoaléatoire sequences typically involves a mathematical formula, known as a pseudoaléatoire number generator (PRNG). A PRNG starts with an initial value called a "seed." This seed is then used in the algorithm to produce the first number in the sequence. Each subsequent number is generated based on the previous one, creating a deterministic chain. If the same seed is used, the same sequence of numbers will always be produced.

Despite their deterministic nature, PRNGs are widely employed because generating truly random numbers can be computationally expensive or impractical. Pseudoaléatoire numbers are used in computer simulations, cryptography, statistical sampling, gaming, and various scientific research areas. The quality of a PRNG is assessed by how well its output mimics the properties of a truly random sequence, such as uniformity, unpredictability, and lack of correlation between numbers. Different PRNG algorithms exist, each with varying levels of complexity and statistical quality.