User Guide

524
random()
Syntax
random(integerExpression)
Description
Function; returns a random integer in the range 1 to the value specified by integerExpression.
This function can be used to vary values in a movie, such as to vary the path through a game,
assign random numbers, or change the color or position of sprites.
To start a set of possible random numbers with a number other than 1, subtract the appropriate
amount from the
random() function. For example, the expression random(n + 1) - 1 uses a range
from 0 to the number
n.
Examples
This statement assigns random values to the variable diceRoll:
set diceRoll = random(6) + random(6)
This statement randomly changes the foreground color of sprite 10:
sprite(10).forecolor = random(256) - 1
This handler randomly chooses which of two movie segments to play:
on SelectScene
if random(2) = 2 then
play frame "11a"
else
play frame "11-b"
end if
end
The following statements produce results in a specific range.
This statement produces a random multiple of 5 in the range 5 to 100:
theScore = 5 * random(20)
This statement produces a random multiple of 5 in the range 0 to 100:
theScore = 5 * (random(21) - 1)
This statement generates integers between -10 and +10:
dirH = random(21) - 11
This statement produces a random two-point decimal value:
the floatPrecision = 2
theCents = random(100)/100.0 - .01