bash generates random fun

Here’s a fun little bash script to generate random stuff and celebrate the New Year! Inspired by Richard Dawkins’ “Weasel Program” it evolves random characters into the message.

The script shows how even randomness can create order with a little guidance – just like the possibilities a new year brings. Run it, watch the magic unfold, and let it be a reminder that every small step counts.

Wishing you a year full of growth, joy, and success. Happy New Year!

#!/bin/bash

target="Happy New Year!"
target_length=${#target}

generate_random_letter() {
  # change into following for simplicity / speed
  # printf "\\x$(printf %x $((RANDOM % 94 + 32)))"

  local random_byte
  random_byte=$(od -An -N1 -i /dev/random 2>/dev/null)
  printf "\\x$(printf %x $((random_byte % 94 + 32)))"
}

evolve_message() {
  local message=""
  local found=false

  for ((i = 0; i < target_length; i++)); do
    message+="$(generate_random_letter)"
  done

  while ! "${found}"; do
    found=true
    local current_message=""

    for ((i = 0; i < target_length; i++)); do
      if [[ "${message:i:1}" != "${target:i:1}" ]]; then
        current_message+="$(generate_random_letter)"
        found=false
      else
        current_message+="${target:i:1}"
      fi
    done

    message="${current_message}"
    printf "\r%s" "${message}"
    sleep 0.001
  done

  echo ""
}

evolve_message

exit 0