MySQL record pointer

[iaeon]

It seems like record pointers are a bit of an issue with MySql.

I have a catalog database and want to display a list screen limited to only about 15 items, being sure to include somewhere on the screen a specific item (based on catalog number). Given that catalog numbers are unique it is not impossible to figure out how to come in where one wants if this is also the sort order. Trouble is I would like to have a different sort order; date made.

So, any thoughts as to how to get a number of records from a table (LIMIT?) whilst also 1) including a desired record in the result 2) ordering on another field to they key field and 3) knowing what page number of the total one has come in at and constructing previous and next page links?

Example code would be kinda handy too!

...Ian

[Anon]

Ian,

A subselect would make this a breeze, but mysql aint got 'em. To try to do this entirely through mysql isn't easy and requires a temporary table.

Perhaps better is using sql to grab the row wanted and 14 + others (order by category id) and then changing the sort order in a script.

If you are using php + mysql, it's explained here in the user comments:
http://www.php.net/manual/en/function.array-multisort.php

[iaeon]

Hmm.. trust a comparative newbie to find a shortcoming early in his career. I guess workarounds beckon. Where's my copy of 'a bluffers guide to kludges'?