Learning Journal – Random Rows in MySQL

Random Rows in MySQL

I have to admit that I had quite some trouble figuring out how I could get MySQL to return some random rows in a query. It was something I had to figure out for myself when I wanted to get a list of random websites off GIDTopsites™ to place on these pages here.

As usual, everything fell nicely into place and it was SO simple…

RAND()

Using rand(), I just had to add it to my SQL query

like this:

php:

// random row mysql query example

$sql = “SELECT * FROM tablename

WHERE somefield=’something’

ORDER BY RAND() LIMIT 5″;

// or, something like this

$sql = “SELECT * FROM tablename

ORDER BY RAND()”;

?>

via Learning Journal – Random Rows in MySQL.

Short and helpful.