title: What is the connection between norminv and normrnd?
body: <p>If I just want to calculate a standard normal variable is there any difference between using:</p>
  
  <pre><code>samples=norminv(rand(N),0,1);
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>and</p>
  
  <pre><code>samples=normrnd(0,1,N,1);
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>Either in terms of processing time or convergence when used in a Monte Carlo simulation?</p>
  
  <p>The reason I ask is that I want to use a quasi Monte Carlo technique like Halton numbers with <code>norminv()</code> to replicate <code>normrnd()</code>, but first I want to make sure I understand the relationship between them.</p>
  
  <p>I guess one of the central questions is: how are the random numbers are generated in <code>rand()</code> and <code>normrnd</code> respectively? Is it the same method?</p>
  
  <p>If they are entirely equivalent why the duplication?</p>