RE: [Boost-Users] help with mersenne_twister

From: scleary_at_[hidden]
Date: 2003-03-17 12:49:31

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Jon Agiato [mailto:JonAgiato_at_[hidden]]
> 
> I am having difficulty in understanding the documentation regarding 
> the use of the pseudo-random number generators in boost::random.  
> Below, I have created a small sample program of the type I am trying 
> to create in order to use the various classes in boost::random with 
> Diehard (requires a binary file of 32 bit integers for testing).  
> This program does not compile as it says that mersenne_twister 
> requires template arguments.  I understand what that means of 
> course, but am unsure as to what arguments should go in there.  I am 
> using MSVC++ 7.0 and would really apprechiate any assistance.  
> Thanks!

The Boost.Random library defines fully-generic random number generator
algorithms, e.g., boost::random::mersenne_twister,
boost::random::linear_congruential, etc.  These are only for advanced users.

The Boost.Random library also provides specializations of those generic
random number generator algorithms for use by normal users.  e.g.,
boost::mt19937 and boost::mt11213b are both specializations of the Mersenne
twister; and boost::minstd_rand is a specialization of the linear
congruential algorithm.

So, unless you have really exceptional random number requirements, you
should be using boost::mt19937 instead of boost::random::mersenne_twister:

> using boost::random::mersenne_twister;

using boost::mt19937;

>       mersenne_twister MT;

mt19937 MT;

Then your example should compile.
        -Steve