math-random vs faker vs chance vs random-js vs random-seed
Random Data Generation Comparison
1 Year
math-randomfakerchancerandom-jsrandom-seedSimilar Packages:
What's Random Data Generation?

Random data generation libraries in JavaScript provide tools to create random values, such as numbers, strings, dates, and even entire objects. These libraries are useful for testing, simulations, and any application that requires unpredictable data. They can generate simple random values or complex structures with customizable patterns, ensuring that the data can be as realistic or as arbitrary as needed. This is particularly valuable in scenarios like populating databases, creating mock data for applications, or testing algorithms with varied inputs.

Package Weekly Downloads Trend
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Package
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math-random2,787,12725-05 years agoCC0-1.0
faker2,257,381-10.1 MB--MIT
chance1,802,0386,5342.13 MB1792 months agoMIT
random-js300,464611-336 years agoMIT
random-seed123,66794-110 years agoMIT
Feature Comparison: math-random vs faker vs chance vs random-js vs random-seed

Data Variety

  • math-random:

    math-random focuses on generating random numbers, particularly within a specified range. It is a simple and efficient tool for mathematical randomization but does not provide data generation beyond numbers.

  • faker:

    faker specializes in generating realistic fake data, particularly for names, addresses, and other personal information. It supports multiple locales, allowing for more authentic data generation based on cultural contexts.

  • chance:

    chance provides a wide range of random data types, including names, addresses, dates, and even custom data types. It also supports generating random data in bulk, making it versatile for various use cases.

  • random-js:

    random-js offers a comprehensive random number generation solution with support for multiple algorithms, including Mersenne Twister and Cryptographically Secure Random Number Generator (CSPRNG). It allows for more sophisticated random data generation, including custom distributions.

  • random-seed:

    random-seed is designed for generating random data based on a seed value, ensuring reproducibility. It is particularly useful for scenarios where consistent random data is needed, such as testing and simulations.

Customization

  • math-random:

    math-random offers limited customization, as it primarily focuses on random number generation. It is best suited for projects that require straightforward randomization without the need for complex configurations.

  • faker:

    faker is highly customizable, especially in terms of locale and data types. Users can easily extend the library to create custom data generators, making it adaptable to various needs.

  • chance:

    chance allows for a high degree of customization, including the ability to define your own data types and formats. This makes it flexible for generating data that meets specific requirements.

  • random-js:

    random-js provides customization options for random number generation algorithms and distributions. Users can implement their own algorithms or use existing ones, allowing for greater flexibility in how randomness is generated.

  • random-seed:

    random-seed allows users to customize the seed value used for random number generation. This feature enables developers to create predictable random sequences, which is useful for testing and debugging.

Reproducibility

  • math-random:

    math-random is inherently reproducible if the same algorithm and seed are used. However, the library itself does not provide a seeding mechanism, so reproducibility must be managed externally.

  • faker:

    faker also does not provide built-in reproducibility, but users can implement their own seeding mechanism if needed. The focus is on generating realistic and varied data rather than consistent output.

  • chance:

    chance does not guarantee reproducibility, as it uses a pseudo-random number generator (PRNG) without a seed. However, it can generate random data in bulk, which can be useful for testing and simulations.

  • random-js:

    random-js supports reproducibility through the use of seedable random number generators. This feature allows developers to create consistent random sequences, making it ideal for simulations and testing.

  • random-seed:

    random-seed is specifically designed for reproducibility, as it generates random data based on a seed value. This ensures that the same input will produce the same output, making it reliable for testing and simulations.

Ease of Use: Code Examples

  • math-random:

    Simple Random Number Generation with math-random

    const { random } = require('math-random');
    
    const randomNumber = random(); // Generates a random number between 0 and 1
    const randomInRange = random(10, 20); // Generates a random number between 10 and 20
    
    console.log(randomNumber, randomInRange);
    
  • faker:

    Generating Fake User Data with faker

    const { faker } = require('@faker-js/faker');
    
    const randomUser = {
      name: faker.name.findName(),
      email: faker.internet.email(),
      address: faker.address.streetAddress(),
    };
    
    console.log(randomUser);
    
  • chance:

    Generating Random Names with chance

    const Chance = require('chance');
    const chance = new Chance();
    
    const randomName = chance.name();
    console.log(randomName);
    
  • random-js:

    Random Number Generation with random-js

    const { Random, MersenneTwister19937 } = require('random-js');
    const random = new Random(MersenneTwister19937.autoSeed());
    
    const randomInt = random.integer(1, 100);
    const randomFloat = random.real(0, 1);
    
    console.log(randomInt, randomFloat);
    
  • random-seed:

    Reproducible Random Number Generation with random-seed

    const { seed } = require('random-seed');
    const random = seed('my-seed');
    
    const randomValue = random(); // Generates a random value based on the seed
    const randomInt = random.int(0, 100);
    
    console.log(randomValue, randomInt);
    
How to Choose: math-random vs faker vs chance vs random-js vs random-seed
  • math-random:

    Use math-random if you need a simple and lightweight solution for generating random numbers with a focus on mathematical randomness. It is a good choice for projects that require basic random number generation without additional dependencies.

  • faker:

    Select faker if you require highly customizable and locale-aware fake data generation, especially for web applications. It excels in creating realistic names, addresses, and other personal information, making it ideal for populating databases with believable data.

  • chance:

    Choose chance if you need a versatile library that generates a wide range of random data types, including names, addresses, and even entire objects. It is particularly useful for creating realistic data for testing and simulations.

  • random-js:

    Opt for random-js if you need a robust and flexible random number generation library that supports multiple algorithms and provides a high degree of randomness. It is suitable for applications that require more control over the randomness process, such as simulations or cryptographic applications.

  • random-seed:

    Choose random-seed if you need to generate reproducible random sequences based on a seed value. This is useful for testing, simulations, and any scenario where you need consistent random data across runs.

README for math-random

math-random

math-random is an isomorphic, drop-in replacement for Math.random that uses cryptographically secure random number generation, where available

ci

install

npm install math-random

use

console.log(require('math-random')())
=> 0.584293719381094

console.log(require('math-random/is-secure'))
=> true || false

obey

CC0-1.0