Python - Non-overlapping Random Ranges

Python - Non-overlapping Random Ranges

In this tutorial, we will look at how to generate multiple non-overlapping random ranges. This can be useful in a variety of applications, including random sampling without replacement.

Problem Statement:

Generate N non-overlapping random ranges, each with a length of L, within a maximum range of 0 to M-1.

Steps:

  1. Input Validation:

    • Ensure that N * L <= M because we can't have N non-overlapping ranges of length L if their total length exceeds M.

  2. Generate Start Points:

    • Randomly choose start points for each range. Ensure they are spaced at least L apart.

  3. Define Ranges:

    • For each start point, define a range from start to start + L - 1.

  4. Return Ranges:

    • Return a list of the generated non-overlapping ranges.

Python Implementation:

import random def generate_non_overlapping_ranges(N, L, M): # Input validation if N * L > M: raise ValueError("Can't generate the specified number of non-overlapping ranges!") # Generate start points for each range starts = sorted(random.sample(range(M - L + 1), N)) # Ensure that ranges are non-overlapping by adjusting start points for i in range(1, len(starts)): while starts[i] - starts[i - 1] < L: starts[i] += L # Define the ranges ranges = [(start, start + L - 1) for start in starts] return ranges # Example N = 3 L = 5 M = 20 result = generate_non_overlapping_ranges(N, L, M) print(result) # Outputs can vary, e.g., [(2, 6), (9, 13), (16, 20)]

Explanation:

In the above example:

  • We aim to generate 3 non-overlapping random ranges, each of length 5, within a maximum range of 0 to 19.
  • The function generate_non_overlapping_ranges first ensures that the request is valid.
  • It then generates random start points and adjusts them to ensure they are non-overlapping.
  • Finally, it returns the ranges.

Conclusion:

Generating non-overlapping random ranges can be useful for sampling, testing, and simulations. With Python's built-in random library, it's straightforward to create such ranges. Always remember to validate inputs to ensure the requested ranges are feasible.

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