Is Primegen a More Efficient Prime Number Generator Than Sieve's Algorithm?

Finding Prime Numbers Efficiently: Beyond Sieve's Algorithm

The quest for the fastest algorithm to find prime numbers has led to the development of numerous methods. While Sieve's algorithm is commonly used, it is not the most efficient.

A Faster Approach: Primegen

Consider Primegen, an extremely efficient implementation of the Sieve of Atkin by Dan Bernstein. This algorithm outperforms the classic Sieve of Eratosthenes in terms of speed.

How Primegen Works

Primegen initializes a bit array, where each bit corresponds to a number. It then proceeds to sieve out non-prime numbers using a set of patterns. The patterns are based on the Atkin wheel, a deterministic way to generate primes.

Benefits of Primegen

• Significantly faster than Sieve's algorithm
• Ability to generate primes in a specific range
• Simple and easy to implement

Benchmark Comparison

Refer to Bernstein's website for detailed benchmark information that demonstrates the superior performance of Primegen compared to other prime-finding algorithms.

By employing Primegen, you can significantly optimize your prime number generation process and achieve greater efficiency in your C applications.

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