Topic: Random row in mySQL

[LoneAntiTrust]

ok, i got this code which is supposed to select a random row in mysql.

select * from quotes order by rand() limit 1

i have 10 rows in the table, and i seem to get the same row each time!  i don\'t understand.  maybe after reloading about 50 times i\'ll get one different row, then it will go back to the previous one for another 30 times.  i have no idea why it\'s really not randomizing these.

any ideas?                    

[biopv]

Use a seed value that differs all the time:

Code: [Select]


select * from quotes order by rand($seed) limit 1



Use some reandom integer in $seed (time or something).

The reason for the problem - probably because you\'re creating a shiny new connection the database each time the page is loaded and the \"not really random\" function in sql returns the same values when a new connection has been initialized (?)....

I think the seed is the solution - BUT remeber that the same seed returns the same random value! It would actually be a lot easier to pick a random row using the following (assuming sql and php or something similar):

Code: [Select]


$seed = random(10);

select * from quotes limit by $seed, 1;// picks 1 row from $seed



P., denmark

ok, i got this code which is supposed to select a random row in mysql.

select * from quotes order by rand() limit 1

i have 10 rows in the table, and i seem to get the same row each time!  i don\'t understand.  maybe after reloading about 50 times i\'ll get one different row, then it will go back to the previous one for another 30 times.  i have no idea why it\'s really not randomizing these.

any ideas?

                   

[biopv]

Just a quickie:

If using pure sql:

Code: [Select]


select * from quotes order by rand(time_to_sec(curtime())) limit 1



This would use the number of seconds as seed...

P., denmark