is it possible to select random record from a table?

[elvanace1]

Is is possible to write a query that will select records from a table randomly?

 

[PHV]

Have a look at the Rnd function.

Hope This Helps, PH.
Want to get great answers to your Tek-Tips questions? Have a look at FAQ219-2884 or FAQ181-2886

 

[elvanace1]

Rnd() generates a random number, but what if the table's index is alpha-numneric. How do you get a random record?

 

[PHV]

One way:
SELECT TOP 1 ... ORDER BY Rnd([Any numeric field])

Hope This Helps, PH.
Want to get great answers to your Tek-Tips questions? Have a look at FAQ219-2884 or FAQ181-2886

 

[elvanace1]

But if there is no purely numeric field, what then?

 

[alvechurchdata]

But if there is no purely numeric field, what then?

Easiest answer might be to add a numeric field to the table.

Another option would be to use Asc() on several characters of a character field or Cdbl() on a date field.

Or you could use DAO and do a MoveFirst() followed by a lot of random calls to Move()

Geoff Franklin

http://www.alvechurchdata.co.uk

 

[PHV]

SELECT TOP 1 ... ORDER BY Rnd(Val([Any field]))

Hope This Helps, PH.
Want to get great answers to your Tek-Tips questions? Have a look at FAQ219-2884 or FAQ181-2886

 

[elvanace1]

SELECT TOP 1 ... ORDER BY Rnd(Val([Any field])" is perfect!
Thanks sooo much.