How to Generate Random Values Within a Specific Range in MySQL?

Selecting Random Values from Specific Range in MySQL

In MySQL, selecting a random value within a specified range can be achieved through the following method:

SELECT ROUND((RAND() * (max-min))+min) AS `foo`

The function RAND generates a random fraction between 0 and 1. By multiplying this fraction with the range (max-min) and adding min, we obtain a random value within the desired range. The ROUND function is used to round the result to the nearest integer.

The query provided, however, will produce only a single random value. If you need to generate multiple random values in a single row, you can consider using the following alternative:

SELECT ROUND((RAND() * (max-min))+min) + 1 AS `foo`

This method ensures that the random values generated are unique by adding 1 to the result.

In the PHP vs. MySQL comparison provided in the answers, MySQL proved to be faster when selecting only the random value. However, if additional columns are required in the result set, PHP becomes more efficient.

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