Random boolean howto

Moxl

Hi,

I need the expression to get a random boolean value, and how to use the result as a negative or positive integer 1. Can someone please help?

GoToLoop

boolean randomBool() {
  return random(1) > .5;
}

GoToLoop

static final int sigBool(boolean b) {
  return b? 1:-1;
}

koogs

-1 + (int)random(2) * 2

(int)random(2) returns either a 0 or a 1 with equal probability

if it's 0 then you get -1 + (0 * 2) = -1

if it's 1 then t=you get -1 + (1 * 2) = 1

doesn't use the boolean you mention, doesn't need to.

GoToLoop

Nice trick, koogs! =D>

int randomSignum() {
  return (int) random(2) * 2 - 1;
}

Moxl

Nice trick for sure! Thanks!

Question to GoToLoop, what is the purpose of using int before the function name?

GoToLoop

So it can return an int value! 3:-O
Likewise variables, methods must have a returning data-type declaration.
Including any arguments passed as well.

Moxl

Okay then using only return inside the method isn't enough? Still quite noob to java as you guessed already...

GoToLoop

When a method is declared to ignore a returned value, that is, void; there's not even a need to have return in it.
Unless of course, we wish to abort it before reaching its scope ending! ^#(^

Now, for anything other than void, we gotta return that corresponding data-type somewhere within it! L-)