R: Set the Random Number Generator

setRNG {setRNG} | R Documentation

## Set the Random Number Generator

### Description

Set the RNG or return information about the setting of the RNG.

### Usage

        setRNG(kind=NULL, seed=NULL, normal.kind=NULL)

### Arguments

None required

`kind` | a character string.
`seed` | a vector of numbers (depending on kind).
`normal.kind` | a character string.

### Details

Sets the uniform and normal random number generators and the seed. The old setting is returned using `invisible()` in a format which can be used in another call to `setRNG`. (This would reset to the original value.) If no arguments are given the current setting is returned, not using `invisible()`. In R see `RNGkind` for more details.

Note that in a function using `setRNG` it is good practice to assign the old setting to a variable, then reset to the old value on exiting the function (using `on.exit`). This avoids the possibility that overall RNG behaviour in a session, other than within your function, may be disrupted by your function.

### Value

The old setting.

### Side Effects

Sets global variables controlling the uniform and normal random number generators and the global seed.

### See Also

`RNGkind`, `set.seed`, `runif`, `rnorm`, `random.number.test`

### Examples

    setRNG(kind="Wichmann-Hill", seed=c(979,1479,1542), normal.kind="Box-Muller")
    rnorm(10)

[Package setRNG version 2013.9-1 Index]