RandomChoice

Selects a random element from an array using cryptographically secure randomization.

Syntax

RandomChoice(array)

Parameters

array (array): The array to select a random element from. Must not be empty.

Returns

any: A randomly selected element from the array

Description

Returns a random element from the provided array using cryptographically secure randomization. Each element has an equal probability of being selected.

Uses System.Security.Cryptography.RandomNumberGenerator for cryptographic security rather than pseudo-random generation, ensuring unpredictable selection suitable for security contexts.

Throws an error if the array is empty, as there are no elements to select from.

Examples

# Select random fruit
var fruits = ["apple", "banana", "orange", "grape"]
var random_fruit = RandomChoice(fruits)
# random_fruit could be any of the fruits

# Select random number
var numbers = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
var random_num = RandomChoice(numbers)
# random_num could be 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5

# Select random configuration
var configs = [
    { "server": "prod-1", "region": "us-east" },
    { "server": "prod-2", "region": "us-west" },
    { "server": "prod-3", "region": "eu-central" }
]

var selected_config = RandomChoice(configs)
# selected_config is one of the configuration objects

# Random greeting
var greetings = ["Hello", "Hi", "Hey", "Greetings"]
var greeting = RandomChoice(greetings)
Data.message = greeting + ", " + Data.username

# Random color selection
var colors = ["red", "blue", "green", "yellow", "purple"]
var color = RandomChoice(colors)
Data.theme_color = color

# Select random winner from participants
var participants = ["Alice", "Bob", "Carol", "Dave", "Eve"]
var winner = RandomChoice(participants)
# winner is randomly selected from participants

# Random load balancing
var servers = ["server1.example.com", "server2.example.com", "server3.example.com"]
var target_server = RandomChoice(servers)
# Randomly distributes load across servers

# Select random test case
var test_cases = GetAllTestCases()
var random_test = RandomChoice(test_cases)
ExecuteTest(random_test)
# Runs a randomly selected test

# Random sampling pattern
var population = GetAllUsers()
var sample = []
var i = 0
while i < 10 do
    var random_user = RandomChoice(population)
    sample = Append(sample, random_user)
    i = i + 1
end
# Creates a random sample of 10 users

# Single element array always returns that element
var single = ["only"]
var choice = RandomChoice(single)
# choice is always "only"

Notes

Uses cryptographically secure random selection (not pseudo-random)
Each element has equal probability of being selected
Throws an error if the array is empty (cannot select from nothing)
Works with arrays containing any type of elements (numbers, strings, objects, nested arrays)
Does not modify the original array
For random integer generation, see RandomInt
For random string generation, see RandomString
Each call produces an independent random selection (no seeding required)
For random sampling without replacement, combine with array manipulation functions