random_time.py

############################################################################
# My attempt at a pseudorandom number generator that uses the microseconds #
# from the current time as the seed. The middle squares method is used to  #
# generate the number from the seed. My seed for this generator will be 6  #
# digits long, meaning the generator can't expand past 1,000,000 numbers   #
# before repeating its cycle.                                              #
# Written By: Damien Hobday                                                #
############################################################################

from datetime import datetime

def set_seed(): #Function to set the seed for the number generator
    return datetime.now().microsecond #Using the microseconds from the current time as the seed

def seed_check(): #Function to check if seed length is 6 if not, generate new seed
    seed = set_seed() #Genate new seed
    while len(str(seed)) != 6: #If seed length is not 6
        seed = set_seed() #Generate new seed
    return seed

def new_seed(seed): #Function to generate new seed based on middle squares method
    new_num = seed * seed
    str_num = str(new_num)
    six_str = str_num[3:9]
    return six_str

def new_seed_check(new_seed): #Function to check newly generated seeds after primary seed generation
    if new_seed == '000000' or len(new_seed) < 6:
        return seed_check()
    else:
        return int(new_seed)

def generate_number(): #Function that generates the pseudorandom number
    seed = seed_check()
    count = 0
    rand_num = ''
    while count != 100:
        rand_num += new_seed(seed)
        seed = new_seed_check(new_seed(seed))
        count += 1
    return int(rand_num)