Manejo de Aleatoriedad en JavaScript

How to start a project to generate randomness?

In the programming world, randomness is a fundamental tool for various cryptographic systems and advanced practices. Here I will guide you step by step on how to create a pseudo-random number generation function using Node.js. If you use another programming language, you can opt for the standard libraries it offers. Most of these languages have libraries that allow you to work with these random number generation algorithms.

How to configure the command line in the project?

The first thing you will do is to configure and add a new command in our preconfigured command line. This command will be called prng, which stands for "pseudo random number generation". This name is common in several sources. Below, we add a short description:

const argv = require('yargs/yargs')(process.argv.slice(2)).command('prng', 'Generate a random number', () => {}, (argv) => {}).argv;

This code base will allow you to expand the functionality as needed.

What options can we configure in the builder?

In the builder we will configure the options to customize the generation of numbers:

1. Randomness type: we will define three main choices:

   • bytes
   • integers
   • UUID identifiers

2. Size: Essential parameter to determine the length of our cryptographic key. Generally, a default size of 16 bytes is sufficient.

3. Maximum and minimum number: Applied only for integers, it allows to delimit the range of the generated numbers.

4. Encoding: Determines how the result will be displayed on the screen. The options are predefined and you can leave them in a configuration file to keep your code clean. The default value is hexadecimal, as it is one of the most manageable formats for this type of project.

How to implement the pseudo-random number generator function?

To begin with, we will create a new folder with a file to implement the functionality. Make sure you have the Node.js crypto library, which is included natively:

const crypto = require('crypto');
function generatorPseudoRandomNumbers(type, size, min, max, encoding) { switch (type) { case 'bytes': return crypto.randomBytes(size).toString(encoding); case 'integers': return crypto.randomInt(min, max).toString(); case 'uuid': return crypto.randomUUID(); default: return null; }}

In this function the desired random type is captured and processed according to the byte, integer or uuid options.

How to handle errors and results on the command line?

Finally, export the function and call it from your command line. Make sure you extract and pass the parameters correctly:

console.log(generatorPseudoRandomNumbers(type, size, min, max, encoding));

Perform the necessary tests and verify that the numbers are generated as expected. It will also be useful to document which options are required for certain types of generation, such as min and max parameters only applicable to integers.

What can you do now?

With this setup you can generate random numbers not only for personal projects, but also in work environments where numbers or secret keys are required. Experiment by trying different input values and expand the capabilities of your project! If you have new ideas for improving the generator, it would be wonderful if you could share them with your colleagues or implement them in your own projects.