How to generate random number in PHP

Kelly Okere - May 31 - - Dev Community

Ever wondered how to generate random numbers in PHP using a simple function while excluding some numbers you don't want, just like a friend of mine that requested for this code?

Here's how to do it:

<?php
function generateRandomNumber($min, $max, $excludedNumbersArr) {
    do {
        $number = rand($min, $max);
    } while (in_array($number, $excludedNumbersArr));

    return $number;
}

// Use it this way
echo generateRandomNumber(50,250,[123,145]); //This PHP function generates a number between 50 and 250, excluding 123 and 145.
?>
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Explanation:

  1. Set the Range: The function defines the minimum ($min) and maximum ($max) values for the random number.
  2. Excluded Numbers: An array $excludedNumbersArr contains the numbers you want to exclude.
  3. Generate Random Number: A do-while loop generates a random number using rand($min, $max). It continues to generate a new number until the number is not in the $excludedNumbersArr array.
  4. in_array(): This is a PHP function that checks if a value exists in an array. It takes two parameters:

    Value: The value you want to search for.
    Array: The array in which you want to search for the value.

  5. Return the Number: Once a valid number is generated, it is returned.

This function ensures that the generated number is within the specified range and does not include the excluded values.

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