random number generator

[Anon]

I need to generate a random number in this format

xx-xxxx-xxxxx-xxx

No number could ever be the same or my script will get confused!!!

Only numbers 0-9

What function would be good to generate a random number and then break it up so i can put '-' in my format.

the random number generator can use the date from the server but can't all be dates because if two people come at the same exact time it will be a problem.

Thanks!

[craigh]

I would suggest this function:

http://us.php.net/manual/en/function.substr.php

in combination with a date/time stamp to microseconds or something.

[Anon]

but how do I produce a 14 digit random number that will always be 14 digits. I can basically have the script check if the random number already exists in the db and have it run again to get a new number.

please help me more,
thanks

[craigh]

did you even ATTEMPT to look this up in the docs? RTFM!

http://us.php.net/manual/en/function.rand.php