Search Results dbms_random




Overview
Explore in AI Chat

Overview

SYS.DBMS_RANDOM is a core Oracle-supplied PL/SQL package that generates pseudo-random numbers and strings within the database. It resides in the SYS schema and holds VALID status across both Oracle EBS 12.1.1 and 12.2.2. Although it is a database kernel utility rather than an EBS application object, it is embedded in the dependency chain of numerous Oracle E-Business Suite modules. The package provides the underlying randomization services that EBS programs use for sampling, test data generation, selection logic, token and identifier generation, and deferral or sequencing decisions in concurrent processing. In the ETRM metadata it is classified with an API classification of OTHER, reflecting its general-purpose, cross-functional nature.

Key Procedures and Functions

The documented package exposes eleven procedures and functions:

  • SEED — Initializes the random number generator with a user-supplied seed value so that a repeatable sequence can be produced.
  • VALUE — Returns a random number; supports both the older functional form and the range-bounded form used to obtain a number between a low and high value.
  • NORMAL — Returns a random number drawn from a normal (Gaussian) distribution.
  • STRING — Produces a random alphanumeric string, commonly used to build test or placeholder values.
  • RANDOM — The legacy procedure-form interface retained for backward compatibility.
  • INITIALIZE — Resets and initializes the generator state for a session.
  • TERMINATE — Releases the generator state when it is no longer required.
  • RECORD_RANDOM_NUMBER — Records a random number to a saved sequence so it can be replayed later.
  • REPLAY_RANDOM_NUMBER — Returns a previously recorded random number, supporting reproducible execution.

These procedures exist to give EBS code deterministic control (via SEED/RECORD/REPLAY) as well as nondeterministic variety (via VALUE/NORMAL/STRING) from a single API surface, without implementing bespoke generator logic.

Tables Accessed

DBMS_RANDOM does not read or write application tables. The ETRM dependency record lists no referenced tables via APPS synonyms. Its only declared dependencies are on the SYS schema and the STANDARD package, confirming that the generator maintains its state in session memory rather than persisting to database objects. The only persistence-adjacent behavior is provided by RECORD_RANDOM_NUMBER and REPLAY_RANDOM_NUMBER, which retain values within the package's own runtime state for repeated use during a session.

Usage Notes

DBMS_RANDOM is invoked from PL/SQL rather than from an EBS form directly. It is referenced by sixteen packages in the ETRM dependency map, all owned by APPS, including AMS_ACT_LIST_PVT, AMS_DMSELECTION_PVT, AMS_DMSOURCE_PVT, AMS_LIST_OPTIONS_PVT, CN_PLANCOPY_UTIL_PVT, CS_KB_CONC_PROG_PKG, FND_TRANSACTION_PIPE, IBY_FNDCPT_TRXN_PUB, MSC_CL_COPY_DP_FORECAST, OKS_AUTO_REMINDER, PA_CLIENT_EXT_FV_BUDGET_INT, and others, alongside PUBLIC and SYS consumers such as DBMS_COMPARISON, DBMS_REGISTRY_SYS, DBMS_WRR_INTERNAL, UTL_RECOMP, and XS_DIAG_INT. Typical invocations occur in concurrent programs, concurrent-program internals such as transaction piping, and marketing or telemarketing list-selection logic where a random draw is required. Custom EBS extensions may call the package for test data generation or sampling; Oracle recommends calling DBMS_RANDOM.SEED where reproducibility is required, and reserving VALUE, NORMAL, and STRING for cases where an unpredictable result is acceptable.