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DBMS_RANDOM

The DBMS_RANDOM package provides a built-in random number generator. It is faster than generators written in PL/SQL because it calls Oracle's internal random number generator.

This chapter discusses the following topics:

• Requirements

• Summary of DBMS_RANDOM Subprograms

Requirements

DBMS_RANDOM must be initialized prior to calling the random number generator. The generator produces 8 digit integers. If the initialization subprogram is not called, then the package raises an exception.

Summary of DBMS_RANDOM Subprograms

Table 43-1 DBMS_RANDOM Package Subprograms

Subprogram	Description
"INITIALIZE Procedure"	Initializes the package with a seed value.
"SEED Procedure"	Resets the seed.
"RANDOM Function"	Gets the random number.
"TERMINATE Procedure"	Closes the package.