Using JavaScript to Create Random IDs

I wanted to share a quick solution I showed the other day for solving the following challenge: how to create a random ID (alphanumerical)? In this case, it was for a certificate.

1. Create a text variable in Storyline (let’s say randomID)
2. Add a JavaScript trigger
3. Copy the following JavaScript to create a 12 digit alphanumerical upper-case ID:

   var x1 = Math.random().toString(36);

     var x2 = Math.random().toString(36);

     var x3 = x1.substr(2,6).toUpperCase()+x2.substr(2,6).toUpperCase();

     var p = GetPlayer();

     p.SetVar(“randomID”,x3);

4.  

   Caveat: random does not mean unique. Using Math.random (with 6 digits) provides a number between 0 and 1 that passes the statistical test for randomness but after a certain number of draw, you may encounter duplicates. That’s why I used 12 digits.  You can change the number of digits by changing the number in substr(2,6) from 6. You can set any number between 1 to 8 safely. That is the number of digits you will get in the ID.