221: Random Number

2013-05-14T20:57:21Z

82.48.88.43: /* Explanation */ die -> *dice

{{comic
| number = 221
| date = February 9, 2007
| title = Random Number
| image = random_number.png
| titletext = <nowiki>RFC 1149.5</nowiki> specifies 4 as the standard IEEE-vetted random number.
}}

==Explanation==
The comic specifies a function (in a {{w|C (programming language)|C-like}} syntax, perhaps {{w|C++}}) that, when called, returns a random number. Most functions of this form are random number ''generators'', implying that they return a range of ''different'' random numbers. Here, the programmer has instead created a function that just returns a ''single'' "random" number - one that the comment claims is chosen by rolling a dice. This function is essentially worthless, as it could simply be replaced by a "4" wherever it is used. (In fact, most modern compilers would do this automatically.)

The {{w|IEEE}} is the <s>company</s> organization responsible for maintaining a number of computer standards. An RFC, or {{w|Request for Comments}}, is a formal document put out to computing experts by {{w|IETF}} in the hopes of becoming a future standard. However, RFC 1149 was an {{w|April Fools' Day Request for Comments|April Fools' joke}}, suggesting that carrier pigeons be used to transmit Internet packets. (Ironically, although the RFC was written in 1990, a homing pigeon with a couple microSD cards tied to its leg might well be faster than your typical consumer Internet connection in the US today.) There is no <nowiki>RFC 1149.5</nowiki>.

==Transcript==
int getRandomNumber()
{
return 4; //chosen by fair dice roll.
//guaranteed to be random.
}

{{comic discussion}}
[[Category:Programming]]

explain xkcd - User contributions [en]

221: Random Number