# RandomGenerator:getState

Available since LÖVE 0.9.1
This function is not supported in earlier versions.

Gets the current state of the random number generator. This returns an opaque implementation-dependent string which is only useful for later use with RandomGenerator:setState.

This is different from RandomGenerator:getSeed in that getState gets the RandomGenerator's current state, whereas getSeed gets the previously set seed number.

## Function

### Synopsis

    state = RandomGenerator:getState( )

### Arguments

None.

### Returns

`string state`
  The current state of the RandomGenerator object, represented as a string.

## Notes

The value of the state string does not depend on the current operating system.

## Examples

    rng = love.math.newRandomGenerator(os.time())

    for i=1, 100 do
        -- Use some random numbers.
        rng:random()
    end

    -- Make a new RandomGenerator and set its state to the current state of the first one.
    rng2 = love.math.newRandomGenerator()
    rng2:setState(rng:getState())

    -- Both 'rng' and 'rng2' will now give the same results.
    assert(rng:random() == rng2:random())

## See Also

- RandomGenerator
- RandomGenerator:setState

##

Category:

- Functions