Rand()

[jlsports]

I have a confusing issue with RAND() in SQL. I am running two MYSQL servers, one a development server which runs at home and then a production server. The development server is running mysql 3.23.49 and the RAND() function works perfectly, the producton server is running mysql 3.23.54 and the RAND() function does not work at all, I always just get the first row. Does anybody have any suggestions why this may be happening? Thanks in advance.

[steadyguy]

In what context are you using the function? An SQL statement or PHP snipped would be really helpful here.

[jlsports]

Here is the SQL STATEMENT

$message = mysql_query ("SELECT * from textmessages order by rand()");

Thanks

[steadyguy]

Theoretically, that should work ... but ... This alternative that should give you the desired effect.

SELECT , idRAND() AS r
FROM textmessages
ORDER BY r;

This assumes that id is a number of somesort that is assigned to each message - if you don't have an id field, but have another number field, you can use that one.