I want to be able to "shuffle" into random order the records of a
database table.  Normally, there will be < 100 records, and I'll
need to reshuffle the records periodically.

Suggestions?

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 * OLX 2.2 * Help

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David S. Becker
ADP Dealer Services (Plaza R&D)
mailto:d...@plaza.ds.adp.com
(503) 402-3236

DSB> > I want to be able to "shuffle" into random order the records of a
DSB> > database table.  Normally, there will be < 100 records, and I'll
DSB> > need to reshuffle the records periodically.
DSB> >
DSB> > Suggestions?

DSB> Define an index for the database on a dummy integer type, simply go
DSB> through and replace the values of the indexed field with random values
DSB> every once an a while.  If you want the records in 'scrambled' order,
DSB> simply apply the index.  If you want them in their original order, remove
DSB> the index.  (Both can be done at run-time.)  I wouldn't use the primary
DSB> key, though, as the primary key must be unique (at least in Paradox),
DSB> which may cause key violations when in the process of re-assigning the
DSB> values...

Thanks, David.  I'll give that solution a try.
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 * OLX 2.2 * It's an empirical question...