random numbers

1. programming pseudorandom number.

2. jargon When one wishes to specify a large but random

number of things, and the context is inappropriate for N,

certain numbers are preferred by hacker tradition (that is,

easily recognised as placeholders). These include the

following:

17 - Long described at MIT as "the least random number"; see

23.

23 - Sacred number of Eris, Goddess of Discord (along with 17

and 5).

42 - The Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the

Universe, and Everything, as revealed in Douglas Adams'

"Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxly". Note that this answer is

completely fortuitous :-) (US pronunciation). It has been

observed that in the little-used number base 13, the answer to

the ultimate question, "What is 6 x 9?", is indeed 42, showing

that in six dimensions white mice have 13 digits.

69 - From the sexual act. This one was favoured in MIT's

ITS culture.

105 - 69 hex = 105 decimal and 69 decimal = 105 octal.

666 - The Number of the Beast.

For further enlightenment, study the "Principia Discordia",

"The Joy of Sex", and the Christian Bible (Revelation 13:18).

See also Discordianism or consult your pineal gland. See

also for values of.

(1997-02-10)