Generating Beta Random Numbers and Dirichlet Random Vectors in R: The Package rBeta2009

Abstract

A software package, rBeta2009, developed to generate beta random numbers and Dirichlet random vectors in R is presented. The package incorporates state-of-the-art algorithms so as to minimize the computer generation time. In addition, it is designed in a way that (i) the generation efficiency is robust to changes of computer architecture; (ii) memory allocation is flexible; and (iii) the exported objects can be easily integrated with other software. The usage of this package is then illustrated and evaluated in terms of various performance metrics.