how do “seeds” work in video games such as Minecraft?

Question

For example, how does an infinitely randomized world like Minecraft manage to generate me an identical world to my friend with just a handful of numbers that they send me?

In: Technology

Answer 1

Getting a random value out of a computer is basically impossible as they are deterministic machines and there is no real random algorithm. Those algorithms that create “random” numbers take an input value and perform some mathematical operations based on that input so that the value they output LOOKS random. That input value is what we call seed. To improve level of randomness it is possible to use factors for the input value that appear to be random to the algorithm (and user) such as mouse position/movements, cpu temperature etc.