Random Row In MYSQL

[The-Last-Escape]

ok, i got this code which is supposed to select a random row in mysql.

 

select * from quotes order by rand() limit 1

 

i have 10 rows in the table, and i seem to get the same row each time!  i don\'t understand.  maybe after reloading about 50 times i\'ll get one different row, then it will go back to the previous one for another 30 times.  i have no idea why it\'s really not randomizing these.

 

any ideas?   

[MadTechie]

thats the most common way but try this

 

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

 

i assume you have an ID field!

 

it seams to take up less CPU and be more random (win win)