MySQL Random Row

Random MySQL Row...
I see that may be a big problem with a lot of items.

Code MySQL:

---

SELECT 
     id 
FROM 
     items 
ORDER BY 
     rand() 
LIMIT 1

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So lets say you do, this:
Wouldn't this be a problem if you had ID's like 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 12 -- You are missing some?

Code MySQL:

---

SELECT 
     id 
FROM 
     items 
WHERE id >= (
     SELECT FLOOR( MAX(id) * RAND()) 
     FROM items
 ) 
ORDER BY 
     id 
LIMIT 1;

---

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JREAM

So lets say you do, this:
Wouldn't this be a problem if you had ID's like 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 12 -- You are missing some?

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Why should it be a problem? Did you try it?

it's a problem because 12 will be returned more frequently than it would be if the algorithm were truly random

Hey thanks for the replies, I have a hard time finding my posts on the main page, HAHA.
Ill test some stuff out with the randomizing though today or tomorrow :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JREAM

Hey thanks for the replies, I have a hard time finding my posts on the main page, HAHA.

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On the forum main page, if scroll towards the end, it'll show your recent postings. And there is a link to show all your postings.