How random is random: The equation

Brad, at our sister site The Digital Music Weblog, has linked to an article that looks at, mathematically, exactly how iTunes' shuffle function creates a random lists of tunes vs. the "Party Shuffle" function. According to the article's author, Brian E. Hansen, "The shuffle algorithm chooses songs 'without replacement.' In other words, much like going through a shuffled deck of cards, you will hear each song only once until you have heard them all... or until you have stopped the player or selected a different playlist.

iTunes Party Shuffle is a different matter. Its algorithm selects songs 'with replacement,' meaning the entire deck of cards is reshuffled after each song is played." He then goes on to demonstrate just how the "play higher rated songs more often" option works.

Folks, this is taking geek cred to a whole new level. My thanks to Mr. Hansen for reminding me that I should have paid attention in math class.

[Via The Digital Music Weblog]
 
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