>-----Original Message----- >From: Ray [mailto:r...@stilltech.net] >Sent: Friday, October 16, 2009 1:10 PM >To: mysql@lists.mysql.com >Subject: Re: insert random number into table > >On October 16, 2009 10:57:48 am Jerry Schwartz wrote: >> There is a RAND function in MySQL, but if you need to guarantee that the >> identifiers are unique you should consider using an auto-increment field. >> >> If that isn't unique enough, you can use the UUID or UUID_SHORT functions. >> Theoretically, those should return values that are unique across the >> Internet (at least). >> >> Regards, >> >> Jerry Schwartz >> The Infoshop by Global Information Incorporated >> 195 Farmington Ave. >> Farmington, CT 06032 >> >> 860.674.8796 / FAX: 860.674.8341 >> >> www.the-infoshop.com >> >> >-----Original Message----- >> >From: Ray [mailto:r...@stilltech.net] >> >Sent: Friday, October 16, 2009 11:43 AM >> >To: mysql@lists.mysql.com >> >Subject: insert random number into table >> > >> >Hello All, >> >I am trying to insert a unique random number* with each row when inserting >> >into a table. I can do it in the application layer (php) but just >> > wondering if >> >there is an easier way in the database layer. >> >Thanks >> >Ray >> > >> >* for example, when registering a person for a contest, I want to give >> > them a unique, random identifier. >> > >> >-- >> >MySQL General Mailing List >> >For list archives: http://lists.mysql.com/mysql >> >To unsubscribe: http://lists.mysql.com/mysql?unsub=jschwa...@the- >> >infoshop.com > > >Thanks for the replies. I think I'll use the php solution as it is the better >match for what I am trying to do. I'l keep the UUID functions in mind for >future use though. >Ray > [JS] Just remember that the pseudo-random numbers that come out of a computer, regardless of where or how they are generated, are not guaranteed to be unique. Although the odds of a collision are slim, my philosophy has always been "if it's possible, it will happen - in the middle of your vacation".
If you want to generate UUIDs in PHP, take a look at http://www.shapeshifter.se/2008/09/29/uuid-generator-for-php/ >-- >MySQL General Mailing List >For list archives: http://lists.mysql.com/mysql >To unsubscribe: http://lists.mysql.com/mysql?unsub=jschwa...@the- >infoshop.com -- MySQL General Mailing List For list archives: http://lists.mysql.com/mysql To unsubscribe: http://lists.mysql.com/mysql?unsub=arch...@jab.org
