how to use random in python

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How to Use Random in Python

In Python, the random module provides functions for generating random numbers. This can be useful in various scenarios, such as generating random data for simulations, randomizing elements in a list, or generating random passwords. This tutorial will guide you through the basic usage of the random module in Python.

Importing the random module

To use the functions from the random module, you first need to import it. You can do this by adding the following line at the beginning of your Python script:

python
import random

Generating random numbers

The random module provides several functions to generate random numbers. Here are some commonly used ones:

  1. random() – This function returns a random float number between 0 and 1.

  2. randint(a, b) – This function returns a random integer number between a and b, inclusive.

  3. uniform(a, b) – This function returns a random float number between a and b.

Example: Generating random numbers

Here’s an example that demonstrates the usage of the functions mentioned above:

“`python
import random

random_float = random.random()
print(“Random float between 0 and 1:”, random_float)

random_integer = random.randint(1, 10)
print(“Random integer between 1 and 10:”, random_integer)

random_number = random.uniform(2.5, 5.5)
print(“Random number between 2.5 and 5.5:”, random_number)
“`

When you run this code, you will get different random values each time.

Randomizing elements in a list

The random module can also be used to shuffle or select random elements from a list. Here are a couple of functions for doing so:

  1. shuffle(lst) – This function randomly rearranges the elements of the list lst.

  2. choice(lst) – This function returns a random element from the list lst.

Example: Randomizing elements in a list

Consider the following example:

“`python
import random

fruits = [“apple”, “banana”, “orange”, “mango”]

random.shuffle(fruits)
print(“Randomly shuffled list:”, fruits)

random_fruit = random.choice(fruits)
print(“Randomly selected fruit:”, random_fruit)
“`

When you run this code, the elements in the fruits list will be shuffled randomly, and a random fruit will be selected.

And that’s it! You now know the basics of using the random module in Python. Feel free to explore other functions provided by the module to meet your specific needs.