Unique ID

[harrysdad]

I want to create a unique ID, perhaps based on information provided in a web form, eg maybe combining parts of a name with a date. This is for a web application, so it could be generated in asp or maybe in access (not sure).

Any pointers on how this can be done?

Regards

Tony

 

[onpnt]

If you want to use portions of user entered values to make the ID, I would to the least suggest a random number concatination to possibly the anme value they enter.

I recommend not using user entered values to create a identity though. relational structures should take the need for that out of the picture and prevent errors in what the identity key is for.

_____________________________________________________________________

_{Hakuna matata!!}

 

[GaryC123]

Since you're using Access just use an auto increment field in the main table. No need to worry about two id's being the same.

http://www.intouchmedialtd.com

 

[mopacfan]

I agree with GaryC123, the autonumber field is the best choice. If you use a randomly generated id, there is a chance, no matter how slight, that the value will duplicate. Of course, you could generate a random number and then check to see if it's already been used. But why do all the extra work? Apply the KISS principle and you'll be good to go.

 

[YNOTU]

[tt]
This may get your ideas going...

Back in march (at my previous job) I was asked to create a webpage where internal users would create entries to this new log system where the id created to identify each entry would include the month/year/initials/increment numbers.

Here's a sample of what I came up with. (with help from TT members):




<%
curDate = Now()
bidyy = Year(curDate)
bidmm = Month(curDate)
bidui = request.cookies(&quot;user&quot(&quot;initials&quot
if len(bidmm) = 1 Then
bidmm = &quot;0&quot; & bidmm
end if
'response.write bidmm

Dim rsNewbidnumber
Set rsNewbidnumber = Server.CreateObject(&quot;ADODB.Recordset&quot
sql = &quot;Select bidnumber from MYDB Where bidnumber like '&quot; & bidyy & bidmm & &quot;%' and initials = '&quot; & bidui & &quot;'&quot;
rsNewbidnumber.open SQL, &quot;dsn=MYDB;uid=MYID;pwd=MYPASS;&quot;

if rsNewbidnumber.eof or rsNewbidnumber.bof Then
bidfullnumber = bidyy & bidmm & &quot;001&quot;
else
bidfullnumber = rsNewbidnumber + 1
end if
%>
<%
'response.write bidfullnumber
%>

^{And for additional ASP answers, download a 900+ page PDF here: thread333-721855}​