Building a random number generator with JavaScript and Node.js

The document discusses the importance of secure random number generation in programming, highlighting the limitations of JavaScript's Math.random() method, which produces pseudo-random numbers that can exhibit patterns and lack security for cryptographic purposes. It explains how Math.random() is sufficient for basic use cases like generating random numbers for games but inadequate for security-sensitive tasks due to its non-cryptographic nature, as outlined by the MDN documentation. To address these security concerns, the article introduces the Web Crypto API, which provides cryptographically secure random number generation through methods like crypto.getRandomValues(). This API is supported by most web browsers and is also available in Node.js, offering a reliable solution for applications requiring robust security measures. The text also touches on the use of libraries in Node.js, such as random-number-csprng and uuid, for generating secure random numbers and tokens. The conclusion emphasizes the significance of utilizing cryptographically secure pseudo-random number generators (CSPRNGs) for security-related code, ensuring unpredictability and protection against potential attackers.