Re^5: Get random unique lines from file

Marshall:

I wasn't really worried whether it was the best way or not, nor whether it used modules or not. I was just amused by the technique for getting a single random line from a file with equal probability, and wanted to generalize it so I could use it for multiple lines.

Unfortunately, I haven't come up with any ideas that don't introduce a bias. (I haven't thought about it really hard for the last few days, but I've given it occasional thought during my daily commutes.)

I might be able to come up with something if I would sit down and analyze the probabilities, but it's not quite interesting enough to work *that* hard on it! ;^)

...roboticus

When your only tool is a hammer, all problems look like your thumb.

Comment on Re^5: Get random unique lines from file

Replies are listed 'Best First'.
Re^6: Get random unique lines from file by Marshall (Canon) on Sep 12, 2012 at 07:35 UTC
Unless you are trying to game the tables in "Lost Wages" or do scientific calculations, this doesn't matter at all. Don't worry about it if it doesn't matter.	[reply]
Re^7: Get random unique lines from file by roboticus (Chancellor) on Sep 12, 2012 at 10:43 UTC
Marshall: I'm not really worried about it--it's just an interesting problem. Most (?all?) of my activity here at PM is just me looking for an interesting diversion. This is just another diversion for me. ...roboticus When your only tool is a hammer, all problems look like your thumb.	[reply]