A comparison of four pseudo random number generators implemented in Ada

Abstract

Four random number generators implemented in Ada are compared in terms of their equidistribution, independence, speed and period. Each generator is described and it's code presented. The tests used to evaluate the generators were simple ones. First, a stream of random numbers generated were checked for equidistribution by means of a chi-square test. Next, the numbers were checked for independence by means of a serial test. The code was then timed for a certain number of iterations. Finally, the reported periods of the generators are compared.