Unique, secured and short id using php. Possible?

[kigoobe]

Well guys

I need a way to get an unique id using php. For the moment, I have learned that the best way to get an unique ID is to put together time() and server address. Then, for additional security we can use additional strings, sha1, md5, etc.

Problem, the result that I got is quite long. Is it possible to get something that is short, but unique and secured at the same time?

Thanks. :)

[Markus]

have you tried using rand()?

[kigoobe]

Thanks mark. But what would be the possibility for two person to get the same number, using rand() only. It seems that there's a danger, isn't it?

[kigoobe]

OK, I am doing it with rand() + mysql_insert_id . :)

Thanks Mark.

[Markus]

Thanks mark. But what would be the possibility for two person to get the same number, using rand() only. It seems that there's a danger, isn't it?

It is.. but only a little chance that would happen.

And just to make sure that it wasn't a duplicate you could compare the id against the ones already in the db and if there's a match you could create a new one.

OK, I am doing it with rand() + mysql_insert_id . :)

Thanks Mark.

No probs :)