Gah can't figure out really simple MySQL!

[paulsheff]

Two columns, one has an image name the second image category. Basically I want to select an image from each category (there's 4 categories) so I need something along the lines of

"SELECT flash_box_category_id, flash_box_image FROM flash_box GROUP BY flash_box_category_id ORDER BY RAND() LIMIT 4";

Now this pulls out 4 different category images, but it's the same 4 each time, the rand isn't used?

 

[toString]

Try NewID() instead of rand()

I used to uise that in SQL Server. Fingers crossed..

 

[paulsheff]

No dice I'm afraid.

 

[Mel_P]

Don't you have to "seed" the RAND to get it to start at a different point - don't know how - just remember reading this somewhere?

"Seed: A integer used to set the starting point for generating a series of random numbers. The seed sets the generator to a random starting point. A unique seed returns a unique random number sequence."

Use - mt_srand() or srand()

 

[paulsheff]

I think you used to have to but not anymore. Sod it I've given up and used separate queries.