Simple FreeMarker random number generator

Posted on by

FreeMarker doesn’t have a random number generator function. I needed a really simple solution that would allow me to pick a random image URL to be displayed on the homepage.

<#--
* Generates a "random" integer between min and max (inclusive)
*
* Note the values this function returns are based on the current
* second the function is called and thus are highly deterministic
* and SHOULD NOT be used for anything other than inconsequential
* purposes, such as picking a random image to display.
-->
<#function rand min max>
  <#local now = .now?long?c />
  <#local randomNum = _rand +
    ("0." + now?substring(now?length-1) + now?substring(now?length-2))?number />
  <#if (randomNum > 1)>
    <#assign _rand = randomNum % 1 />
  <#else>
    <#assign _rand = randomNum />
  </#if>
  <#return (min + ((max - min) * _rand))?round />
</#function>
<#assign _rand = 0.36 />

I’ve added this function to the FreeMarker Spring extensions I’ve been building up. You might use it in your code like so:

<img src="<@spring.url "/images/" + springx.rand(1, 10) + ".jpg" />" />

Note that there are obvious issues with this function. Aside from being based heavily on the second the function is called, you’ll notice that the min and max have less probability of being generated as the other values…what? I said it was simple.

278 thoughts on “Simple FreeMarker random number generator”

  3. Facing grow your website traffic? Our AI technology attracts custom visitors using keywords and place-based precision from countries to local spots.
    Desiring increased revenue, engaged users, or a broader online reach?
    We shape it to align with your vision. Enjoy a 7-day free trial period with no contract. Join here:

    https://ow.ly/OBZU50WrgTU

  4. Needing to enhance your website traffic reach? Our AI technology pulls tailored website traffic through keywords and location targeting from countries to local areas.
    Desiring higher profits, active pages, or greater digital reach?
    We tailor it to your goals. Enjoy a 7-day free trial period with no contract. Begin here:

    https://ow.ly/xwB250Wrj3z

  7. Eager to boost your website’s growth? Our AI-powered tool brings precise visitors through keywords with regional filters from continents to local areas.
    Seeking increased profits, engaged visitors, or an expanded digital presence?
    We customize it to fit your strategy. Enjoy a 7-day free trial period with no contract. Start here:

    https://ow.ly/8JJh50Wvgxf

  8. Attract high-intent, keyword and location-targeted traffic to your site with our AI-optimized solution, far more affordable than traditional paid ads. Start scaling now.

    https://ow.ly/u1Pk50Wvgw1

  11. Save big with our AI-optimized service, driving location-specific visitors to your website for less than paid ad campaigns. Start now to see the impact.

    https://ow.ly/Jngn50Wzt68

  12. Eager to ignite your website presence? Our smart AI platform brings targeted website traffic via keywords or place-based filters from countries to neighborhoods.
    Aiming at higher profits, livelier website traffic, or expanded online impact?
    We adjust it to fit your goals. Enjoy a 7-day free trial period with no contract. Dive in here:

    https://ow.ly/UMP750WvErR

  13. Needing to grow your website audience? Our smart platform attracts targeted visitors via keywords with location data from countries to neighborhoods.
    Wanting higher sales, vibrant engagement, or a stronger digital footprint?
    We fine-tune it to suit your plan. Enjoy a 7-day free trial period with no contract. Join here:

    https://ow.ly/VzZ550WAbbs

  15. Our AI-powered service delivers high-intent visitors to your website, saving you money compared to traditional paid ads. Ready to enhance your online presence?

    https://ow.ly/ERoz50WGHxI

  16. Aiming to supercharge your website’s reach? Our intelligent AI tool channels ideal visitors via keywords or geographic filters from continents to towns.
    Hoping for higher revenue, vibrant engagement, or an expanded digital presence?
    We customize it to match your strategy. Enjoy a 7-day free trial period with no contract. Start now:

    https://ow.ly/8JYy50WGHAz

  17. Use AI to build a website by just entering a few lines of text for free. Our AI powered system will then build an entire website in just a few minutes. Try it free here: https://ow.ly/kNlP50VqFCI

  18. Our AI-driven service delivers keyword and location-specific visitors to your site, offering significant savings over paid ads. Connect with us today.

    https://ow.ly/sSeI50WIkjW

  19. Wanting to drive your website success? Our smart platform pulls tailored website traffic through keywords and location targeting from countries to local areas.
    Aiming for increased earnings, active pages, or wider web presence?
    We adjust it to your plan. Enjoy a 7-day free trial period with no contract. Begin here:

    https://ow.ly/HaHL50WH1ts

  21. Your online presence deserves a plan. With a tailored system, you can secure your privacy, notify loved ones, or erase files automatically. Discover how—click here for free early access:

    https://ow.ly/c9qF50WLxmy

  25. Struggling to grow your website audience? Our smart platform delivers targeted visitors using keywords or regional tags from countries to neighborhoods.
    Looking for increased revenue, lively users, or a stronger digital footprint?
    We shape it to fit your plan. Enjoy a 7-day free trial period with no contract. Join here:

    https://ow.ly/4rLe50WSKYQ

  27. Boost your website’s audience with our AI-powered traffic service, delivering targeted visitors at a lower cost than paid ads. Contact us today.

    https://ow.ly/16pA50WSKYE

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong>