NAME Data::Entropy - entropy (randomness) management DESCRIPTION This distribution includes modules relating to sources and use of entropy. They all interoperate, but can also be used independently. The Data::Entropy module maintains a concept of a current selection of entropy source. Algorithms that require entropy, such as those in Data::Entropy::Algorithms, can use the source nominated by this module, avoiding the need for entropy source objects to be explicitly passed around. This is convenient because usually one entropy source will be used for an entire program run and so an explicit entropy source parameter would rarely vary. There is also a default entropy source, avoiding the need to explicitly configure a source at all. The Data::Entropy::Source class manages the entropy coming from a particular source. Methods allow entropy to be dispensed in any quantity required, even fractional bits. This class acts as a layer over a raw entropy source, which may be a normal I/O handle or a special-purpose class. The Data::Entropy::RawSource::* classes provide fundamental sources of entropy. The sources specially supported are an OS-supplied entropy collector, downloads from servers on the Internet, and cryptographic fake entropy. The Data::Entropy::Algorithms module contains a collection of fundamental algorithms that use entropy. There are random number generators, and functions to shuffle arrays and perform related tasks. INSTALLATION perl Build.PL ./Build ./Build test ./Build install AUTHOR Andrew Main (Zefram) COPYRIGHT Copyright (C) 2006, 2007, 2009 Andrew Main (Zefram) LICENSE This module is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify it under the same terms as Perl itself.