Random Data Generation with NumPy
NumPy random module allows you to generate random numbers and
data arrays. Here are some fundamental functions:
1. numpy.random.rand()
2. numpy.random.randn()
3. numpy.random.randint()
4. numpy.random.uniform()
5. numpy.random.normal()
1. numpy.random.rand: Generates random numbers from a uniform
distribution over [0, 1).
Example Code:
import numpy as np
# Generate a 1D array of 5 random numbers
random_numbers = np.random.rand(3)
print(random_numbers)
Output
[0.272784 0.09733427 0.457863 ]
The code generates 3 random numbers.
2. numpy.random.randn: Generates random numbers from a
standard normal distribution (mean=0, variance=1).
Example Code:
# Generate a 1D array of 5 random numbers from a normal
distribution
random_numbers_normal = np.random.randn(3)
print(random_numbers_normal)
Output
[ 0.04495402 -1.09919444 1.82620763]
This Python code generate a 1D array (random_numbers_normal)
containing 3 random numbers sampled from a standard normal
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distribution (mean = 0, standard deviation = 1). The print statement
displays the generated array.
3. numpy.random.randint: Generates random integers within a
specified range.
Example Code:
# Generate a 1D array of 5 random integers between 1
and 10
random_integers = np.random.randint(1, 11, 5)
print(random_integers)
Output
[ 4 10 10 2 6]
The code generates a 1-D array (random_integers) containing 5
random integers between 1 and 10 (inclusive). The
np.random.randint(1, 11, 5) function is used for this purpose, where 1 is
the lower bound (inclusive), 11 is the upper bound (exclusive), and 5
specifies the number of random integers to generate. The print
statement displays the resulting array, showing an example of 5
random integers between 1 and 10.
4. numpy.random.uniform: Generates random numbers from a
uniform distribution over a specified range.
Example Code:
import numpy as np
# Generate a random number between 2 and 5
random_number = np.random.uniform(2, 5)
print(random_number)
Output
4.833586883593855
The code generates a random floating-point number between 2
(inclusive) and 5 (exclusive). The np.random.uniform(2, 5) function
accomplishes this.
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5. numpy.random.normal: Generates random numbers from a
normal (Gaussian) distribution with a specified mean and
standard deviation.
import numpy as np
# Generate a random number from a normal distribution
with mean=0 and std=1
random_number = np.random.normal(0, 1)
print(random_number)
Output
1.481601952386309
The code generates a random number from a standard normal
distribution (mean=0 and standard deviation=1) using NumPy's
random.normal function and then prints the generated random
number.
Applications of Random Data:
1. Simulations and Modelling: Random data generation is widely used
in simulations and modelling. For example, simulating the behaviour
of a system under uncertain conditions.
2. Monte Carlo Simulations: In finance and engineering, Monte Carlo
simulations involve using random numbers to model the probability
of different outcomes in a process.
3. Data Augmentation: In machine learning, random data generation
is used for data augmentation to increase the diversity of the
training dataset.
4. Statistical Testing: Random data is essential for statistical testing
and hypothesis checking.
5. Encryption and Security: Random data is often used in
cryptographic applications for key generation and other security-
related tasks.
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