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Overview

The random_int macro generates a random 6-digit integer by concatenating six randomly selected digits. This is useful for creating pseudo-random numbers for IDs, cache busting, or other purposes requiring random numeric values.

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Syntax

{{ random_int() }}

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Parameters

This macro takes no parameters.

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Return Value

Returns a 6-digit integer with values ranging from 000000 to 999999. Example output: 482739

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Usage

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Import the Macro

{% from 'path/to/random-int.html' import random_int %}

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Basic Example

{{ random_int() }}
Output: 537281 (value will vary)

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Common Use Cases

{# Cache busting for assets #}
<link rel="stylesheet" href="{{ get_asset_url('styles.css') }}?v={{ random_int() }}">

{# Generate random IDs #}
<div id="element-{{ random_int() }}">
  <!-- content -->
</div>

{# Create random order/reference numbers #}
{% set order_number = 'ORD-' ~ random_int() %}

{# Random values for testing #}
<input type="hidden" name="nonce" value="{{ random_int() }}">

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Multiple Random Numbers

{# Generate multiple different random numbers #}
{% set rand1 = random_int() %}
{% set rand2 = random_int() %}
{% set rand3 = random_int() %}

<div data-values="{{ rand1 }},{{ rand2 }},{{ rand3 }}"></div>

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Conditional Logic Based on Random Value

{% set random_value = random_int() %}
{% if random_value % 2 == 0 %}
  <div class="variant-a">Even number: {{ random_value }}</div>
{% else %}
  <div class="variant-b">Odd number: {{ random_value }}</div>
{% endif %}

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Implementation Details

The macro generates a 6-digit number by:
  1. Looping 6 times (indices 0-5)
  2. On each iteration, randomly selecting a digit from 0-9 using HubL’s random filter
  3. Concatenating all digits to form a 6-digit number
{% for n in [0,1,2,3,4,5] %}
  {{ [0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9]|random }}
{% endfor %}
Leading zeros are possible (e.g., 000123, 042857). If you need numbers guaranteed to be 6 digits when used mathematically, consider adding validation or using a different approach.
This macro uses HubL’s random filter which generates pseudo-random numbers. It should not be used for:
  • Cryptographic purposes
  • Security tokens
  • Situations requiring guaranteed uniqueness
  • Financial calculations requiring true randomness
  • unique_id - Generates a unique identifier using multiple random integers

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Distribution

The random distribution is approximately uniform across all digits (0-9), resulting in:
  • Range: 000000 to 999999
  • Total possible values: 1,000,000
  • Each digit position has equal probability for each digit (0-9)

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