Field Calc, Retry if (error) not unique

[rivet]

Looking for the best approach.

I have a field 'password' that on record creation gets populated with a random string. The field validation set to unique.

So, I would like the password filed to auto populate with a unique number. Can I create a looping calculations (on its own, or via custom function ) that will keep trying until it is unique. OR, do you think it has to been done with a script.

[wireshop]

The only way to do looping calcs is through recursion - a function that calls itself. So you can make a custom function that calls itself.

Good luck...

[comment]

I would script this. A calculation would require a custom function AND a list of existing values - which means either a value list or a x self-join. A script, OTOH, needs only to check for validation error upon committing the record - and you only need to do this once per record anyway.

[wireshop]

Actually on second thought why bother at all. Just don't require the password to be unique. After all if it is a random string the odds are very low you will have a duplicate and will it even matter if you do?

[comment]

After all if it is a random string the odds are very low you will have a duplicate

That depends on the length of the string and the number of records.

[rivet]

Thanks guys, I will go with the script.

I know the odds are low, but for this project it too risky.