generating unique, sequential id numbers

edwardp

I am writing an expenses claim system on ourt local intranet

The data for each person logging a claim is going to stored in csv formatted file (1 file per user)

What would be the best way to generate unique sequential claim id numbers?

so far i am using

date("Ymd");

to generate a backwards date where the last number will change more often. However this doesnt solve a problem if more than one are submitted on the same day and bythe same person

Would it be more efficient to incorporate time into this aswell?? or is there a easier/better way. I had considered session id but this would 'cock up' when i person adds several claims in one day.

I had thought about just incrementing a sequential number but that could possibly mean opening,writing and closing a file many times

Does anyone have an idea???? The main problem would come when the administrator wants to view all or parts of submitted claims.

Thanx in advance

Regards

Edward Przeniczny

homchz

if you are using time now why not just use a unix time stamp. I it works off of seconds so the only issue would be if two people submitted at the same exact time, not sure how possible that is with your system.

But an autoincrementing number as the key in a db would be the best way to do it. IMO

laserlight

I had thought about just incrementing a sequential number but that could possibly mean opening,writing and closing a file many times

I think that this is the best way - it does mimic auto-increment from relational databases.

Alternatively, you might consider using the database engine SQLite, which is supported by PHP with the SQLite Functions and PDO SQLite Functions. The database would be contained in a single file.

homer09001

assuiming your using a thml form can you not just add a field that is hidden and call it id the using a php file send teh data fromteh html file to the php and int eh php file get it to add all the info to a database and set het database so for every record it auto increments , NOT NULL ? i use it on my site for various parts like member registrations?