How to generate random and unique integer on sql field?

Question

I have a table with a integer primary key. The inserts to the table are made via a stored procedure.

I want to use random numbers for the primary key, for example:

The length of the number must be the same for each row.

I tried using identity specifications but it is incremental, not random.

SUBSTRING(CAST(ABS(CHECKSUM(NEWID())) AS VARCHAR),0,5) and retrying until the id doesnt exits. Thanks! — Diego
– Diego, Commented Oct 14, 2013 at 15:46

Community · Accepted Answer · 2017-05-23 10:31:45Z

1

I can think of two options for that -

Use auto increment which produces unique values but the results are not random - How to set initial value and auto increment in MySQL?

CommunityBot

11 silver badge

answered Oct 13, 2013 at 9:41

Tom Ron

6,2413 gold badges28 silver badges43 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

1 Answer 1