title: On the use of numpy.random.RandomState
body: <p>What is the difference in </p>
  
  <pre><code>a = numpy.random.RandomState(1)
  b = a.rand()
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>compared to</p>
  
  <pre><code>b = numpy.random.rand()
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>I'm not really sure if this has to do with seeding, and I'm new to the concept of seeding. If this is a case of seeding could somebody explain how the <code>RandomState</code> method does that, and maybe any tips on when it's useful to seed. Thank you.</p>