reference numbers on forms or database rows

[buzzby]

is it possible to display the id number and not just have it as a silent partner in the whole sql schema? also is it possible to set the id at a particular value and increment from there? i ask this because i want to have a reference number on the forms that people fill in. the reference number is not editable. they appear on the form either in the table or in the form. which ever is easiest. is this possible?

i would really appreciate some feedback on this as it is quite urgent

[mourisj]

Display the reference number:
Just echo() or output it in the same way you would do for any other data of your DB. Reference numbers are not stigmatized in any way as undiplayable. Just avoid to make it editable or updatable !!!

Set a start value:

Define your DB field as "AUTOINCREMENT" (in MySql), define a sequence (in ORACLE), or use the appropriate mechanism provided by your DBMS.

Then, define the start value :
in ORACLE, is done in the definition of the sequence (you can also define the increment, etc.)
in MySql: insert a dummy-row with id = start_id - 1; the next row inserted will automatically have the desired start-value !!