# Can pseudo random number generator generate all possible sequences?

Suppose I have a random number generator G that takes in a seed s from the set of integers. Suppose we have a sequence of numbers Q where |Q| = k. Does there exist a seed s such that G(s) produces the sequence Q, for any Q with any length? This is an existence question; does it exist or not, the process of finding a random number generator is irrelevant. The code for G is finite as is the seed s.

My intuition is that no, moreover, it's impossible to construct such a G with these properties. Unfortunately I can't justify my intuition.

• In case k > cycle length it always fails, so any length prevents it. – Evil Mar 21 '18 at 0:13

If you are considering a pseudorandom generator that can work with seeds of any length, then the answer is "It depends". It depends on the pseudorandom generator. There are pseudorandom generators for which the answer is yes (e.g., $G(x)=x$, or any bijective $G$), and pseudorandom generators for which the answer is no (e.g., $G(x) = G'(\text{SHA256}(x))$, where $G'$ is a pseudorandom generator that accepts fixed-length seeds, is almost certainly such an example).