random

[slimjim]

How can I randomly chose a row in database, so that each time I refresh the browser a different row will show up, and once gone thru all the rows, start over ?

I have 50 links in db, only want to show one at a time, but also want to go thru each row instead of randomly chosing one, otherwise one will be shown more then others.

[Ludichrist]

If it doesn't matter the order they're displayed, try looking at this: http://ca3.php.net/manual/en/function.rand.php

This should be random enough that over time, they'll be shown an equal amount of times.

[slimjim]

i dont see on that page the code that can help me out..

[Pieman86]

The easiest way is just to use your database to select a random row every time. In MySQL, it's something like:

SELECT * FROM table_name ORDER BY RAND( ) LIMIT 1

If you really need to cycle through every row in order, then there are different ways you could do it; maybe add an extra row at the beginning of the table that keeps track of which row you selected last, then use that information every time you select a new row from the table and increment the counter.

Of course, you'd have to use PHP to make sure the counter wraps round properly, so it's really easier just to use random selection: it spreads things fairly evenly, so you shouldn't have any problems.