How to get at least 1 distinct result

[optikalefx]

Hi, I'm usually pretty skilled at mysql, but this stupid simple problem i must be overlooking.

 

I have a store with a bunch of orders in it.  I want to get a result of the most recent purchases, but don't get duplicates.

 

So if the purchases are

p1, p2, p2, p2, p2, p3, p4

 

im trying to get

p1, p2, p3, p4 as my result

 

This

SELECT
products_name
FROM 
        orders_products
ORDER BY 
        orders_products_id desc

 

gives me all results

 

but this

SELECT
distinct products_name
FROM 
        orders_products
ORDER BY 
        orders_products_id desc

 

gives me totally different results. it gives me like p4, p6, p9p, p15.

group by gives me the same.

 

any ideas? i hope i explained that correctly.

[Maq]

Let me clarify.  You want to get the latest purchase for each p#?

[optikalefx]

yes.  I thought grouping by p# would solve it, but it ruins the order.

[Maq]

There may be a shorter way but this should work:

 

SELECT products_name FROM orders_products WHERE orders_products_id IN(SELECT MAX(orders_products_id) FROM orders_products GROUP BY products_name);

 

(I tried the GROUP BY ORDER BY and it didn't work, same with DISTINCT.)