rand(3) Library Functions Manual rand(3) Name rand, srand - random number generator Syntax #include <stdlib.h> void srand(seed) unsigned seed; rand() Description The newer should be used in new applications. The subroutine remains for compatibility. The subroutine uses a multiplicative congruential random number generator with period 232 to return successive pseudo-random numbers in the range from 0 to 231-1. The generator is reinitialized by calling with 1 as argument. It can be set to a random starting point by calling with whatever you like as argument. Environment For the System V environment, the subroutine returns numbers in the range from 0 to 215-1. See Also random(3) rand(3)