---
name: "Crypt::OpenSSL::Random"
section: "3pm"
platform: "linux"
package: "perl-crypt-openssl-random"
version: "0.17-4"
release: "Arch Linux 2026-11-01"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/Crypt::OpenSSL::Random"
---

# Crypt::OpenSSL::Random(3pm)

OpenSSL/LibreSSL pseudo-random number generator access

## NAME

Crypt::OpenSSL::Random - OpenSSL/LibreSSL pseudo-random number generator access

## SYNOPSIS

```
  use Crypt::OpenSSL::Random;
  Crypt::OpenSSL::Random::random_seed($good_random_data);
  Crypt::OpenSSL::Random::random_egd("/tmp/entropy");
  Crypt::OpenSSL::Random::random_status() or
    die "Unable to sufficiently seed the random number generator".
  my $ten_good_random_bytes = Crypt::OpenSSL::Random::random_bytes(10);
  my $ten_ok_random_bytes = Crypt::OpenSSL::Random::random_pseudo_bytes(10);
```

## DESCRIPTION

`"Crypt::OpenSSL::Random"` provides the ability to seed and query the **OpenSSL** and **LibreSSL** library's pseudo-random number generators.

Note: On **LibreSSL** `random_egd()` is not defined.

### EXPORT

None by default.

## Static Methods

- random\_bytes (IV num\_bytes)

  This function, returns a specified number of cryptographically strong pseudo-random bytes from the PRNG.  If the PRNG has not been seeded with enough randomness to ensure an unpredictable byte sequence, then a false value is returned.

- random\_pseudo\_bytes (IV num\_bytes)

  This function, is similar to `"random_bytes"`, but the resulting sequence of bytes are not necessarily unpredictable.  They can be used for non-cryptographic purposes and for certain purposes in cryptographic protocols, but usually not for key generation etc.

- random\_seed (PV random\_bytes\_string)

  This function seeds the PRNG with a supplied string of bytes.  It returns true if the PRNG has sufficient seeding.  Note: calling this function with non-random bytes is of limited value at best!

- random\_egd (PV egd\_string)

  This function seeds the PRNG with data from the specified entropy gathering daemon.  Returns the number of bytes read from the daemon on success, or `-1` if not enough bytes were read, or if the connection to the daemon failed.

  `"libressl"` considers this function insecure, so with libressl or an openssl with no-egd this function does not exist.

- random\_status ()

  This function returns 1 if the PRNG has sufficient seeding. or 0 if not.

## BUGS

Because of the internal workings of OpenSSL's random library, the pseudo-random number generator (PRNG) accessed by Crypt::OpenSSL::Random will be different than the one accessed by any other perl module.  Hence, to use a module such as Crypt::OpenSSL::Random, you will need to seed the PRNG used there from one used here.  This class is still advantageous, however, as it centralizes other methods, such as `"random_egd"`, in one place.

## AUTHOR

Ian Robertson, `"iroberts@cpan.com"`

Now maintained by Reini Urban, `"rurban@cpan.org"`

## LICENSE

This module is available under the same licences as perl, the Artistic license and the GPL.

## SEE ALSO

[**perl**(1)](/perl/1.md), [**rand**(3)](/rand/3.md), **RAND\_add**(3), **RAND\_egd**(3), **RAND\_bytes**(3).