About Randomness

Randomness is a concept with relevance to many different fields and areas of life, from mathematics to computing science and the arts. There are actually lots of different definitions of randomness, for its uses in these different contexts. In this article we'll go over what it means for something to be random, as well as looking at the application of randomness in computer programming and the arts.

I started thinking about randomness when I was developing my Android Nonsense apps, see also this post: Using Randomness to Stimulate Creativity

What Is It Anyway?

In one sense, something being random means it being unpredictable. In another sense, it means having no discernible order. If some sequence of events appears not to conform to any sort of order, this implies that it has not been arrived at through a dedicated method. When something happens as a result of some process in which there is a purpose, this does not normally create random results. In some cases randomness is used in an intuitive sense, while in others it has a very specific objective definition. In mathematical contexts, random sequences are often referred to in conjunction with notions of probability and predictability.

Computer Programming

Randomness is a common topic in computer programming. Often, computer programmers use language utilities known as random number generators. These allow programs to generate a series of numbers with specific parameters, for example within a certain range or with a certain number type such as integer or floating point. Programmers use these for various tasks, some relating to underlying application logic, some relating to user interaction. For example, random functions can be used to present content items to application users in a way that creates a different user experience each time.

Although random number generators are common in computer programming, the numbers produced are not actually truly random. This is because it is impossible, by definition, for a computer program to generate a random series of numbers. In order for a series to be random, there can be no process or method used to generate it, but a computer can only generate numbers using a detailed, specific process. In brief, this means that if a series is generated by a computer, it is not random.

While not truly random, the random number generators used in computer programming are designed to create the appearance of randomness to the end user. For example, if you use a music player such as an MP3 player, you will be familiar with shuffle functions. With a shuffle function, the application uses a random number generator to choose songs from those available. There is in fact another obvious way in which these functions are not really random in addition to the fact that they are computer generated. This is that fact that most shuffle functions are designed not to repeat songs, but rather to play each available song once before playing any one a second time. Again, the randomness here is in appearance rather than strictly in reality.

The Arts

Another common area to experience randomness is in the arts, particularly in comedy contexts. Many people find randomness produces results that are funny, for example through gibberish, or nonsense speak in which people combine random combinations of words. Some computer programs combine this with the random number generation functions to generate random sentences for comic effect. Some songwriters also use randomness to come up with lyrics and song titles.

Randomness is also involved in art in a creative sense. Many people find randomness is a great way to stimulate them creatively. This can involve using computer programs again, for example to generate random words or pictures. The unpredictability of randomness produces surprising results that appear to stimulate the creative functions within the human brain.

Life

We experience randomness in many areas of life, from the weather to throwing a dice or shuffling a deck of cards. In many cases you see random sequences and are not aware of it, and in many more you see sequences that appear to be random but are in fact not. Whatever way you look at it, randomness is a part of life.

See also

Random Number Generators
Using Randomness to Stimulate Creativity