How to Generate Random Binary Numbers in Python

In this tutorial, we will discuss how to generate random binary numbers using Python. Binary numbers play a significant role in computing systems and data representations.

Python, with its powerful libraries and easy syntax, makes the job of generating random binary numbers quite easy. Let’s explore the different methods for generating binary numbers in Python.

Method 1: Using the Random Library

The random library in Python is a built-in module that can be used to generate random numbers. To generate random binary numbers, we can use a simple logic where random integers are generated and then converted into binary.

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import random
 
def rand_bin_number(num):
   return ''.join([str(random.randint(0, 1)) for i in range(num)])

This function takes the required length of the binary number as an input and returns a randomly generated binary number of that length.

Method 2: Using the bin function

The bin function in Python converts an integer into a binary string. We can utilize this function along with the random library to generate random binary numbers.

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import random
 
def rand_bin_number(max_val):
   return bin(random.randint(0, max_val))[2:]

In this method, we are generating a random integer between 0 and the maximum value provided by the user. The binary string represented by the integer is obtained by using the bin function.

Note that we are removing the ‘0b’ part from the binary string by slicing it from the 2nd index.

The Full Program for Generating a Random Binary Number

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import random
 
def rand_bin_number(num):
   return ''.join([str(random.randint(0, 1)) for i in range(num)])
 
max_val = 100
num = 10
 
print("Random binary number of length 10 using Method 1:", rand_bin_number(num))
 
def rand_bin_number(max_val):
   return bin(random.randint(0, max_val))[2:]
 
print("Random binary number using Method 2:", rand_bin_number(max_val))

Output:

Random binary number of length 10 using Method 1: 0100110101
Random binary number using Method 2: 101100

The above program generates binary numbers between 0 to the maximum value we give and binary numbers of a specific length.

Conclusion

Generating random binary numbers is an essential aspect of programming, especially in fields like cryptography and computer graphics. Python, with its versatile capabilities, makes this task straightforward.

The two methods discussed in this tutorial offer efficient ways of producing random binary numbers. Practice these methods to get familiar with generating binary numbers in Python.