PHP -- How to select random but different rows from table

Question

I have the following code which selects information from one random row.

$query = mysql_query("SELECT * FROM lines_angles_shapes ORDER BY RAND() LIMIT 1 ");

while($rows = mysql_fetch_array($query))
{
    $question = $rows['question'];
    $hint = $rows['hint'];
    $level = $rows['level'];
    $keyword = $rows['keyword'];
    $showme = $rows['showme'];
    $picture_path = $rows['picture_path'];

}

This works well for me but I now I need to be able to select two more DIFFERENT pictures from the picture_path column and assign them to variables. Again, all three rows need to be different.

Any tips for a newbie on how to do this?

yes, I thought about doing that, but how would I be able to accurately differentiate between the three rows? In my program one row has the picture path for correct answer in my project, the other two are just random but different pictures selected to be used as incorrect answer choices. — Johhn Fiit
– Johhn Fiit, Commented Nov 4, 2014 at 4:50
If you're selecting at random, how do you know which one is 'correct' anyway? Just use the first result as the 'correct' one. — user1864610
– user1864610, Commented Nov 4, 2014 at 4:53
Please improve your question then only you can get very accurate answer — gvgvgvijayan
– gvgvgvijayan, Commented Nov 4, 2014 at 4:57

Rasclatt · Accepted Answer · 2014-11-04 05:02:51Z

2

Just change your query as follows:

$query = mysql_query("SELECT * FROM lines_angles_shapes ORDER BY RAND() LIMIT 3");

edited Nov 4, 2014 at 5:02

Rasclatt

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answered Nov 4, 2014 at 4:53

Ankit

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Comments

Pupil · Accepted Answer · 2014-11-04 05:01:40Z

0

You are ordering by ORD() so it will give you different records.

No, new modification, just change the limit to 3 (whatever your need).

$query = mysql_query("SELECT * FROM lines_angles_shapes ORDER BY RAND() LIMIT 3");

answered Nov 4, 2014 at 5:01

Pupil

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Comments

Jinank Thakker · Accepted Answer · 2014-11-04 05:26:38Z

0

As your are already getting random values with order by clause it will always return different values so you just need to edit your limit value and you are done!

$query = mysql_query("SELECT * FROM lines_angles_shapes ORDER BY RAND() LIMIT 3");

answered Nov 4, 2014 at 5:26

Jinank Thakker

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