# Source: https://docs.datadoghq.com/security/code_security/static_analysis/static_analysis_rules/ruby-code-style/random-numbers.md

---
title: Prefer using ranges for random numbers
description: Datadog, the leading service for cloud-scale monitoring.
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  Rules > Prefer using ranges for random numbers
---

# Prefer using ranges for random numbers

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## Metadata{% #metadata %}

**ID:** `ruby-code-style/random-numbers`

**Language:** Ruby

**Severity:** Notice

**Category:** Best Practices

## Description{% #description %}

In Ruby, it's considered a better practice to use ranges when generating random numbers. This rule is important because it promotes the use of more idiomatic Ruby code and enhances readability. Using a range to generate a random number clearly shows the minimum and maximum values, which makes the code easier to understand.

Non-compliant code, such as `rand(42) + 1`, is less clear because it's not immediately obvious what the range of possible values is. This can lead to confusion and potential bugs in the code.

To follow this rule, use a range when generating random numbers. For example, `rand(1..42)` is a much clearer way of generating a random number between 1 and 42. This makes it obvious to anyone reading the code what the range of possible values is, thus improving the readability and maintainability of your code.

## Non-Compliant Code Examples{% #non-compliant-code-examples %}

```ruby
rand(42) + 1
```

## Compliant Code Examples{% #compliant-code-examples %}

```ruby
rand(1..42)
```
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