Random Number Generator

[artofanime]

Hi,

I'm pretty new to flash, and was trying to figure out how to create a random number generator from scratch. I've been trying to learn a bit of action scripting here and there, but I don't know if it's my level of understanding that just won't get it.

I have the following...

1)Input Text Field (to type in the max number that should be randomized to)
Example: 60 (Number from 1 through 60 will be chosen)

2) Dynamic Text Field (to show what random number has been generated).

3) Button (to shuffle the numbers)

Any assistance on how I should go about doing this would be great. I appreciate any help you can give me. Thanks.

[dawsonk]

stop();
inputNum.text = "";
outputNum.text = "";
goBtn.onPress = doRandomize;
function doRandomize() {
	var numAmt = Number(inputNum.text);
	if (numAmt > 0) {
		var nums = new Array();
		for (j = 1; j <= numAmt; j++) {
			nums.push(j);
		}
		for (var i in nums) {
			nums[i] = nums.splice(random(nums.length), 1, nums[i]);
		}
		outputNum.text = nums.pop();
	} else {
		trace("error");
	}
}

[artofanime]

I'm sorry, this somewhat looks a bit Greek to me. I haven't had much experience with action scripting and so I'm not sure what needs to be done exactly. Based on what I'm seeing though, I'm guessing most of these procedures, but not sure if I really understand what's going on.
Is it possible to break it down a bit so I know how this works.

[dawsonk]

Re-read your original request, this is a much simplier version that will still give the same result...

// Note: this code is on the main timeline
// instance name of the input text field on the stage
// text is set to blank
inputNum.text = "";
// instance name of the output display text field on the stage
// text is set to blank
outputNum.text = "";
// instance name of movie clip (functioning as a button) on the stage
// when the movie clip is clicked (onPress) it will do a custom function (doRandomize)
goBtn.onPress = doRandomize;
// custom function (doRandomize) declared
function doRandomize() {
    // create new user defined variable (numAmt)
    // set numAmt equal to the Number value of the inputNum textfield value
    var numAmt = Number(inputNum.text);
    // check to make sure this is a number greater than 0
    if (numAmt > 0) {
        // set the value of output display textfield
        // built in random function returns a value from 0 to one less than numAmt
        // add one, so value is now btween 1 and numAmt
        outputNum.text = random(numAmt) + 1;
        // if numAmt was not greater than 0
    } else {
        // displays message in output window during authoring
        // this should be changed to display an on screen message for the user
        trace("error");
    }
    // end of function
} 

[artofanime]

Thanks Dawsonk.

I went through some books and was able to "somewhat" figure out the action script. I really appreciate your help on this.