How to convert a username to a 2 digit number?

[Erazman]

I am trying to figure out how to convert a username into a number between 10 to 99.
It would be preferable that a username will end up being 10 just as much as 99, covering the whole range without a tendency to be low or high..
This method needs to be a simple as possible so that someone can convert their name with little effort.

 

[Simon Bridge]

1. Assign numbers to usernames randomly.
2. Assign numbers in order the users show up, starting at 10 and cycling at 99
3. add the ascii values of all the characters together, and take the lowest two digits for the number.
...
... there are so many ways.

 

[pwsnafu]

I am trying to figure out how to convert a username into a number between 10 to 99.

Why ten? Shouldn't it start at 00?

It would be preferable that a username will end up being 10 just as much as 99, covering the whole range without a tendency to be low or high..

If it is deterministically based on the username, this is unlikely. Usernames would need to be uniformly distributed to begin with.

This method needs to be a simple as possible so that someone can convert their name with little effort.

The only one I can think of would be: take the last two letters of the username and treat it as a base-26 number. Then modulo 90.

If the range was 00~99 then this would be much easier. Base-26 to Base-10 take last two digits.

Edit: ah, scratch it. No matter how many times I modify the algorithm I keep finding holes.

 

[Borek]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hashing_function

 

[CellCoree]

I would approach this problem by first considering the limitations and parameters of the task. It is important to clarify what constitutes a valid username and what characters or symbols may be present in a username. Additionally, it would be helpful to know if there are any specific rules or patterns that should be followed in converting the username to a number.

One possible approach could be to assign a numerical value to each letter in the alphabet, starting with A=1, B=2, C=3, and so on. This would allow for a simple and consistent conversion process. However, this method may not account for special characters or symbols that may be present in a username.

Another approach could be to use a mathematical formula or algorithm to convert the username to a number. This could involve taking the sum of the numerical values of each letter in the username and then manipulating the resulting number to fit within the desired range of 10-99. This method may require more effort and calculation, but it can be more flexible in accounting for different types of usernames.

Ultimately, the best method for converting a username to a 2 digit number will depend on the specific requirements and constraints of the task. I would suggest experimenting with different approaches and evaluating their effectiveness in meeting the desired criteria. This may involve testing the method with a variety of usernames and adjusting it as needed to achieve a balanced distribution of numbers between 10 and 99.