SMRTR Science & EngineeringApr 13, 2026lobste.rs

Generating universes within universes with a single seed

SMRTR summary

Computer-generated "random" numbers aren't truly random but come from deterministic mathematical algorithms that create massive predetermined lists of pseudorandom values, all starting from a single seed number. Using simple equations like linear congruential generators, a seed creates an entire universe of billions of predetermined outcomes for everything from statistical simulations to Minecraft worlds, meaning every "random" event is already decided once you set the seed.

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