Template:Random/doc
{{random}} generates a random number, at least to the extent that non-mathematicians will be happy with the term "random", through simple markup. The number can be from 1 to whatever number you choose, up to 1000.
Syntax is straightforward:
{{random|1000}} = 725
This number will change every time the page loads.
Though this simple aspect is enough to power any number of functions — such as determining which random, numbered subpage to call on a page, the template does have additional sophistication, detailed at template:random on Wikipedia.
Example of calling forth a page
If you type the following, you will get a different quote of the week on every page load:
{{qotw/{{#expr:{{random|52}} + 1}}}}Test it out by reloading this page several times. What you get below will be different on almost every page, though with a sample size of only 52, you're bound to get some repeats. The reason is because there are 53 pages in the following format:
{{qotw/n}}However, there is no {{qotw/0}}. Thus by adding 1 to the randomly selected number between 0 and 52, we ensure the choice will be between the numbers 1 and 53.
- Sarah Jane Smith: Hello, Harry! Long time, no see!
- Harry Sullivan: Well, I say, old thing, how did you . . . No, of course . . . you're not a thing. But how did you know I was here?
- Sarah: I have my sources. I'm trying to break into Fleet Street with an article on the anti-biological warfare brigade, all very hush-hush. In fact I've been trying to contact you for some time — but you're raher hard to get. Haven't changed at all, Harry, have you! So what are you doing in here, you wicked boy?
- Harry: Can't say old . . . old girl. It's all sub judice.
