How do I Retrieve random value from array

Question

print_r($rows); results in the following:

Array
(
    [0] => Array
        (
            [bg_image] => uploads/2013/06/Home_background1.jpg
        )

    [1] => Array
        (
            [bg_image] => uploads/2013/06/Home_background2.jpg
        )

    [2] => Array
        (
            [bg_image] => uploads/2013/06/Home_background3.jpg
        )

)

What I'm looking to get help with is randomly selecting one of the values from above. I'm fairly new to php so sorry if this is a basic question.

in3.php.net/manual/en/function.rand.php

Achrome
– Achrome

2013-07-01 18:45:12 +00:00
Commented Jul 1, 2013 at 18:45 — Achrome
– Achrome, Commented Jul 1, 2013 at 18:45

Adrian · Accepted Answer · 2013-07-01 18:46:18Z

7

echo $rows[array_rand($rows)]['bg_image'];

answered Jul 1, 2013 at 18:46

Adrian

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1 Comment

Aaron W. Over a year ago

with only a couple entries speed won't matter, but here is a quick benchmark report showing rand() would be faster: ebrueggeman.com/blog/php_benchmarking_array_rand

p e p · Accepted Answer · 2013-07-01 18:47:49Z

0

You can use the rand function to select a random index. The following will give you a random index that will be either 0, 1, or 2. Using that as the index to the array will output one of the 3 elements at random.

rand(0,2)

answered Jul 1, 2013 at 18:47

p e p

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Comments

Community · Accepted Answer · 2023-11-17 19:55:19Z

0

use rand() function.

refer here

PHP.net rand()

edited Nov 17, 2023 at 19:55

CommunityBot

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answered Jul 1, 2013 at 18:48

Rohitashv Singhal

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Comments

Sterling Archer · Accepted Answer · 2013-07-01 18:49:37Z

0

A different way from the other answers

$rand = mt_rand(0,2);
echo $rows[$rand]['bg_image'];

answered Jul 1, 2013 at 18:49

Sterling Archer

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