Define the word random numbers"random numbers" jargon "Jargon File (4.3.1, 29 Jun 2001)"
random numbers n. 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 recognized 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 ("what is 6 times 9", correct in base 13). (Note
that this answer is completely fortuitous. `:-)')
69
From the sexual act. This one was favored 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 Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy", "The Joy of Sex", and the Christian
Bible (Revelation 13:18). See also Discordianism or consult your
pineal gland. See also for values of.
"random numbers" foldoc "The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (27 SEP 03)"
random numbers
1. pseudorandom number.
2. 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)
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