[RESOLVED] random object?

[waiso]

Hi
I want to use a random object (new random which is available in visual basic) in vba, in a word macro. Is there a way to do it? vba doesn't recognise it, should I use a kind of include/import/declare, i know that it is in mscorlib.dll...
thanx for your help, as always!

[DKenny]

Is there any reason why you are not using the built-in Rnd Function?

[waiso]

I didn't think about it, I need actually a random generator with a initial value (seed), e.g. new Random(222), can I do it with rnd too?
but I like to know it also because it's a recurrent problem that i need to use classes/objects or functions in VBA which I can use in vb.
Is it possible to use all classes available in VB in VBA somehow?

[waiso]

I just tested rnd() can't generate a "seeded" random number.

[DKenny]

Yes you can, but you need to use the Randomize statement to "seed" the RND statement.

[waiso]

well, it's not the same result when i run this macro twice:

Sub test()
 
Randomize (222)
MsgBox Rnd
MsgBox Rnd
 
End Sub

normally it is the same result when I execute the same example in a vb application with the Random() class as many times I want.

[DKenny]

From the VBA help file on Randomize

Note To repeat sequences of random numbers, call Rnd with a negative argument immediately before using Randomize with a numeric argument. Using Randomize with the same value for number does not repeat the previous sequence.

Based on that, I changed you code to the following

Sub test()
 
    Rnd (-1)
    Randomize (222)
    Debug.Print Rnd
    
    Rnd (-1)
    Randomize (222)
    Debug.Print Rnd
 
End Sub

[waiso]

great Declan! works perfect... Thank you

being curious I'd like to know however if I can use the random() class too, like I said a vb class in a vba macro.???

[DKenny]

The short answer is "yes,sometimes".
If you can add a reference to the object library that you can use the class, if you can't add the reference you can't use the class.

[waiso]

thanx for rapid replies, it help really.
how can I add a reference? I know to use fuctions or subs I use the "declare" instruction, but to use a classe?

[DKenny]

Under the Tools/References menu, you will see a list of avaialable libraries.

[waiso]

thanx a lot Declan, it was a great help!