Definition ∞ Pseudorandom values are numbers generated by an algorithm that appear random but are, in fact, deterministic and reproducible if the initial seed is known. In blockchain, obtaining truly unpredictable randomness for applications like lotteries, gaming, or validator selection presents a challenge due to the deterministic nature of public ledgers. Various cryptographic techniques, such as verifiable random functions, are employed to generate these values securely. They are essential for fair and unpredictable outcomes in decentralized systems.
Context ∞ The state of generating secure pseudorandom values on-chain is a constant area of research and development for decentralized applications requiring fairness. News reports often discuss new methods for achieving robust randomness or exploits related to predictable outcomes. A critical future development involves the widespread adoption of external oracles providing verifiable randomness to blockchain protocols.
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