A component that produces values used for keys, nonces and seeds; security depends on its inputs, design, state and integration path.
Random-number generator is best understood as part of a system rather than as an isolated definition. Its related coordinates show the mechanisms, incentives and historical records that give the term practical meaning.
Random-number generator should be evaluated against a concrete threat model: what is protected, from whom, for how long and at what operational cost. A design may remove one dependency while introducing another, so custody, privacy and verification must be judged as a complete system.
Understanding Random-number generator helps distinguish a verifiable Bitcoin mechanism or historical record from slogans, products and market narratives.
For the clearest picture, read this entry together with Cryptographic entropy, Cryptographically secure PRNG, Hardware true random-number generator, Wallet seed generation. The reverse links also lead from Cryptographic entropy, Cryptographically secure PRNG, Deterministic PRNG, Hardware true random-number generator.
Linked to related atlas coordinates
Grounded in source data
Explains function and trade-offs
Part of the open Bitcoin knowledge graph