random_bytes() in PHP 5.6 and 5.5

Last week, I needed some random data and using the power of the PHP manual, came across random_bytes which does exactly what I need. However, it’s PHP7 only.

As I target both Linux and Windows, I needed to do a bit more work to get it working which was fine, but a minor nuisance given that I know that there’s a better way in PHP7.

Talking on the #joind.in IRC channel a few days later, Anthony tells us about paragonie/random_compat which is a PHP 5.x polyfill for the PHP7 methods random_bytes() and random_int(). Usage is exactly the same, so when you switch to PHP7, you just remove the library from composer and all your code using these methods will continue to work.

I hadn’t heard of it; I’m guessing that you haven’t either, so now you know!