SRFI 271: Random port libraries

by Wolfgang Corcoran-Mathe

status: final (2026-07-18)

keywords: Randomness

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Abstract

This SRFI proposes a pattern of libraries for binary input ports that produce random bytes. Libraries are divided into “randomized” and “determinized” categories to address different uses of random data. The design leaves the details of random number generation to the implementer and the transformation of bytes to other types (floats, etc.) to higher-level libraries. A mechanism for saving random-port states and propagating them to new ports is also provided.