Question

how can an array be created that randomizes results from 3 different values 0,1,2 and then makes 2 combinations of those

for example :
i have

int values[3] = {0,1,2}
blah = values[arc4random() %3];

i tried using this from the arc4random help post on this site however when i do the above the app crashes. Im a begginer to arc4random and cant figure a solution to this since there isnt enough documents online to help me.
Furthermore how can i choose 2 items from blah to be displayed?

Answer 1

Well, for one you’re missing a ;

int values[3] = {0,1,2}; //<-- here
int blah = values[arc4random() %3];
NSLog(@"Value: %d",blah);

Second, the above compiles just fine.

Third, I think you want to do this, but as @Shaggy Frog mentioned, your question is kindof unclear:

int combo[3];
for (int i = 0; i < 3; i++) {
    combo[i] = values[arc4random() %3];
}

Which should give you a random “combination” of the values in values[]. Combination has a specific definition, as well as permutation.

I believe what you want is a set of 3 numbers chosen at random from values[]. If you do need permutations, get comfy with Dijkstra.

---

[Edit]

To get what you specified in the comment, you can do this:

int values[3] = {0,1,2}; 
int sum;
switch (arc4random()%3) {
case 0:
    sum = values[1] + values[2];
    break;
case 1:
    sum = values[0] + values[2];
    break;
case 2:
    sum = values[1] + values[0];
    break;
}

---

[Edit]

Or, you can do this:

int values[3] = {0,1,2}; 
int blah[2];
int index;
switch (arc4random()%3) {
case 0:
    index = arc4random()%2;
    blah[index] = values[1];
    blah[1-index] = values[2];
    break;
case 1:
    index = arc4random()%2;
    blah[index] = values[0];
    blah[1-index] = values[2];
    break;
case 2:
    index = arc4random()%2;
    blah[index] = values[1];
    blah[1-index] = values[0];
    break;
}

a card drawing algorithm may also suit your needs.