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Best way to generate a unique random serial number
- Thread starter acura123
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ajetrumpet
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using the RANDOMIZE statement in code ?
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ajetrumpet
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maybe use the sequential autonumber? What that does is with new records, it uses all positive numbers, but they are all unique. They continue to be unique too, within the same recordset, even if previous records are deleted out (that held previous autonumber values). Use the INCREMENTAL option when you make the table.
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SydneyGeek
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Is there a problem with generating negative numbers? Surely, the actual number generated should be irrelevant as long as it's unique. It's important to remember that primary keys need to be unique, but in most cases it doesn't matter what the key value is. For most of the databases I build, the primary key is never displayed.
Possible exceptions would be a Social Security ID or an ISBN, where the values are text, must be entered by the user, and are meant to be unique by definition.
Denis
Possible exceptions would be a Social Security ID or an ISBN, where the values are text, must be entered by the user, and are meant to be unique by definition.
Denis
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I'm trying to create random account numbers and was told not to use the auto number as a means to do it.
I was told the best way was to use a random number and I guess check it against a table.
Is this the correct way to create a positive non duplicative number like a serial number or account number? And if so how do you check it against a table?
I was told the best way was to use a random number and I guess check it against a table.
Is this the correct way to create a positive non duplicative number like a serial number or account number? And if so how do you check it against a table?
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SydneyGeek
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Why were you told not to use Autonumber? I'm trying to understand the logic before you find yourself painted into a corner for no good reason.
Also, are you sure that you will never generated more than 999 accounts?
The answer is, yes you can do this. It involves a bit of code to check that the number is unique, and a loop to generate another if it isn't. But I wonder if you actually need the mechanism before you go to the trouble.
Denis
Also, are you sure that you will never generated more than 999 accounts?
The answer is, yes you can do this. It involves a bit of code to check that the number is unique, and a loop to generate another if it isn't. But I wonder if you actually need the mechanism before you go to the trouble.
Denis
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ajetrumpet
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see my last statement acura. This should NOT be difficult. You are going to have to put up with the negative autonumber if you are using it in the RANDOM sense instead of the INCREMENTAL sense (option). It's just the way it is...from what I can understand anyway. You can use code to turn any negatives into positives, but then you would have to check to see if that number is still in the recordset at the time you make the new record. Why not just use the incremental option for the autonumber? This will guarantee you the uniqueness. Are the numbers not enough digits long? Just trying to help you out...this seems to have gotten way more complicated than it should be.
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