$srand()

Synopsis

$srand()

Technical

A compatibility function that always returns the empty string and performs no operation. All arguments are ignored by its C handler. Normal EPIC argument expansion still occurs before the handler runs.

It does not seed a generator, read the system time, or reset a random sequence. $rand() obtains values through EPIC's OpenSSL-backed random helper; calling $srand() does not affect that helper.

Practical

Existing scripts can retain calls to this function, but no initialization call is needed before $rand(). Supplying a numeric seed does not make subsequent random results reproducible.

Returns

Always the empty string. There are no options, diagnostics, state changes, or IRC connection requirements.

Examples

$srand() and $srand(12345) both return empty and leave random generation unchanged.

History

First appeared in ircII as a random-generator seeding interface. The current built-in is a no-op.

Registration and function_srand(): source/functions.c. Current random_number() implementation: source/ircaux.c.