Understanding the algorithm of Visual C++'s rand() function

Question

In C/C++, rand() and srand() are usually used by us when we want to get a random integer. But when I tried to rewrite it myself, I found it difficu

Answer 1

You can find an explanation of the Linear Congruential Generator (LCG) and other similar families or pseudo random generators, and about the selection of these specific constants in an excellent article published this month (7-2011) in Dr. Dobb's Journal (DDJ): Fast, High-Quality, Parallel Random-Number Generators: Comparing Implementations.

I think you'll need to register at DDJ's website (free) to read the first part of this article (link), but if you're into C++ and mathematics you should do it anyway...