A Pseudo-Random Number Generator (PRNG) is a computer algorithm that produces sequences of numbers that only appear to be random. Unlike true random number generators, which rely on unpredictable physical processes, PRNGs use mathematical formulas to generate numbers. This means that if you start with the same initial value, or seed, the sequence of numbers will always be the same.
PRNGs are widely used in various applications, including computer simulations, cryptography, and gaming. They are efficient and fast, making them suitable for tasks that require large amounts of random data. However, because they are deterministic, their randomness can be predictable if the seed is known.