---
name: "Bio::Tools::RandomDistFunctions"
section: "3pm"
platform: "linux"
package: "libbio-perl-perl"
version: "1.7.8-1"
release: "Debian 13 (Trixie)"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/Bio::Tools::RandomDistFunctions"
---

# Bio::Tools::RandomDistFunctions(3pm)

A set of routines useful for generating random data in different distributions

## NAME

Bio::Tools::RandomDistFunctions - A set of routines useful for generating random data in different distributions

## SYNOPSIS

```
  use Bio::Tools::RandomDistFunctions;
  my $dist = Bio::Tools::RandomDistFunctions->new();
  for my $v ( 1..1000 ) {
    my $birth_dist = $dist->rand_birth_distribution($lambda);
    # ... do something with the variable
  }
```

## DESCRIPTION

Most of the code is based on the C implementation of these routines in Mike Sanderson's r8s's package.  See http://loco.biosci.arizona.edu/r8s/ for information on his software.

## FEEDBACK

### Mailing Lists

User feedback is an integral part of the evolution of this and other Bioperl modules. Send your comments and suggestions preferably to the Bioperl mailing list.  Your participation is much appreciated.

```
  bioperl-l@bioperl.org                  - General discussion
  http://bioperl.org/wiki/Mailing_lists  - About the mailing lists
```

### Support

Please direct usage questions or support issues to the mailing list:

*bioperl-l@bioperl.org*

rather than to the module maintainer directly. Many experienced and  reponsive experts will be able look at the problem and quickly  address it. Please include a thorough description of the problem  with code and data examples if at all possible.

### Reporting Bugs

Report bugs to the Bioperl bug tracking system to help us keep track of the bugs and their resolution. Bug reports can be submitted via the web:

```
  https://github.com/bioperl/bioperl-live/issues
```

## AUTHOR - Jason Stajich

Email jason-at-bioperl.org

## CONTRIBUTORS

Thanks to Mike Sanderson for assistance in the getting this implementation together.

## APPENDIX

The rest of the documentation details each of the object methods. Internal methods are usually preceded with a \_

### birth\_distribution

```
 Title   : rand_birth_distribution
 Usage   : my $randvar = $dist->
            rand_birth_distribution($lambda);
 Function: Returns a random number from a birth process waiting
           time with a fixed interval
           1.0.  Times are measured from 0=present,1=root;
 Returns : floating point number
 Args    : $lambda ( > 0 )
 References : This is based on code by Mike Sanders in r8s.
              Ross, Stochastic Processes, p. 145 for the density
```

### rand\_geometric\_distribution

```
 Title   : rand_geometric_distribution
 Usage   : my $randvar = $dist->rand_geometric_distribution($param);
 Function: Returns a random geometric variate distributed with
           parameter $param, according to
           c.d.f. 1 - ( 1- param) ^ n
 Returns : integer
 Args    : $param ( 0 > $param < 1 )
```

### rand\_exponentional\_distribution

```
 Title   : rand_exponentional_distribution
 Usage   : my $var = $dist->rand_exponentional_distribution($param);
 Function: Returns a random exponential variate distributed with parameter
           $param, according to c.d.f 1 - e^(-param * x)
 Returns : floating point number
 Args    : $param ( > 0 )
```

### rand\_normal\_distribution

```
 Title   : rand_normal_distribution
 Usage   : my $var = $dist->rand_normal_distribution()
 Function: Returns a random normal (gaussian) variate distributed
 Returns : floating point number
 Args    : none
```