Update of /cvsroot/mockobjects/no-stone-unturned/doc/xdocs
In directory usw-pr-cvs1:/tmp/cvs-serv26779
Modified Files:
random.xml
Log Message:
Extended introductory paragraph.
Index: random.xml
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RCS file: /cvsroot/mockobjects/no-stone-unturned/doc/xdocs/random.xml,v
retrieving revision 1.6
retrieving revision 1.7
diff -u -r1.6 -r1.7
--- random.xml 14 Aug 2002 13:54:58 -0000 1.6
+++ random.xml 7 Nov 2002 13:25:48 -0000 1.7
@@ -10,20 +10,25 @@
<title>Introduction</title>
<para>
-Pseudo-random behaviour is used in many applications.
-For example, in video games pseudo-randomness is used to portray
+Many applications exhibit random or pseudo-random behaviour.
+For example, in video games use pseudo-randomness to portray
natural behaviours that are too complex to simulate accurately,
or to add variety to behaviours that are too predictable when
-simulated algorithmically.
+calculated algorithmically. Cryptographic algorithms
+use random number generators extensively, as do optimisation
+algorithms such as genetic programming and simulated annealing.
+But how can one test behaviour that is, by its very nature,
+unpredictable?
</para>
<para>
-Testing random behaviour is not complex. You will not need to use
-statistical analysis, unless you are actually writing a new random
-number generator. Instead, as in many test driven designs, you
-will end up separating the objects that direct activity from
-those that effect activity so that you can mock one to test
-the other. In the case of random behaviour, the object directing
+In this chapter, I hope to show that testing random behaviour is not
+complex. You will not need to use statistical analysis, unless
+you are actually writing a new random number generator.
+Instead, as in many test driven designs, you will end up
+separating the objects that direct activity from those that effect
+activity so that you can mock one to test the other.
+In the case of random behaviour, the object directing
the activity is a random number generator. You can use a mock
generator to feed deterministic values into the objects under test.
So far, soo good, but it turns out that testing random behaviour
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