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DBMS_RANDOM

The DBMS_RANDOM package provides a built-in random number generator. It is faster than generators written in PL/SQL because it calls Oracle's internal random number generator.

Requirements

DBMS_RANDOM must be initialized prior to calling the random number generator. The generator produces 8 digit integers. If the initialization subprogram is not called, then the package raises an exception.

Summary of Subprograms

Table 30-1 DBMS_RANDOM Package Subprograms

INITIALIZE procedure

SEED procedure

RANDOM function

TERMINATE procedure

INITIALIZE procedure

To use the package, first call the initialize subprogram with the seed to use.

Syntax

DBMS_RANDOM.INITIALIZE (
   seed  IN  BINARY_INTEGER);

Parameters

Table 30-2 INITIALIZE Procedure Parameters

seed

SEED procedure

This procedure resets the seed.

Syntax

DBMS_RANDOM.SEED (
   seed  IN  BINARY_INTEGER);

Parameters

Table 30-3 INITIALIZE Procedure Parameters

RANDOM function

This function gets the random number.

Syntax

DBMS_RANDOM.RANDOM
   RETURN BINARY_INTEGER;

Parameters

None.

Example

my_random_number := Random;

TERMINATE procedure

When you are finished with the package, call the TERMINATE procedure.

Syntax

DBMS_RANDOM.TERMINATE;

Parameters

None.