More things about functions: random number functions, Boolean functions, parameters that change, and “scope” – that is, where a variable can be seen and used depending on where it’s declared.
Random numbers
Anyone who considers arithmetical methods of producing random numbers is, of course, in a state of sin.
—John von Neumann, inventor of FORTRAN (Goldstine, 1972)
Random numbers aren’t just useful for games. They’re useful for simulations – predicting the average behavior of some system – and for scientific computing. You can tell people that’s why you’re studying them. It isn’t for games. ...
