# random()

## Purpose

random(max)

Generates a random number between 0 and the number specified, though the maximum value supported is platform specific.

- If a number is not specified then 0 is returned.

- If 0 is provided as the maximum value, then 0 is returned.

- If the specified value is greater than the maximum supported for the current platform, then rsyslog will log this in the debug output and use the maximum value supported instead.

While the original intent of this function was for load balancing, it is generic enough to be used for other purposes as well.

Warning

The random number must not be assumed to be crypto-grade.

Added in version 8.12.0.

## Example

In the following example a random number between 0 and 123456 is generated.

    random(123456)

See also

Help with configuring/using `Rsyslog`:

- Mailing list - best route for general questions

- GitHub: rsyslog source project - detailed questions, reporting issues that are believed to be bugs with `Rsyslog`

See also

Contributing to `Rsyslog`:

- Source project: rsyslog project README.

- Documentation: rsyslog-doc project README

Copyright 2008-2023 Rainer Gerhards (Großrinderfeld), and Others.