Random Module

Introduction

The random module generates pseudo-random numbers for games, simulations, and testing.

Basic Random

import random

random.random()        # Float in [0, 1)
random.randint(1, 10) # Integer in [1, 10]
random.randrange(0, 100, 2)  # Even numbers 0-98

Sequences

lst = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

random.choice(lst)           # Single random element
random.choices(lst, k=3)    # Multiple with replacement
random.sample(lst, k=3)     # Multiple without replacement
random.shuffle(lst)         # In-place shuffle

Distributions

import random

random.gauss(0, 1)     # Gaussian/normal distribution
random.uniform(0, 1)   # Uniform distribution
random.triangular(0, 1)  # Triangular distribution

# Weighted choices
weights = [0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4]
random.choices(lst, weights=weights)

Practice Problems

1. Generate random password
2. Shuffle deck of cards
3. Simulate dice rolls
4. Generate weighted random samples
5. Create random walk simulation