adyf Posted March 10, 2011 Share Posted March 10, 2011 I have a table that contains 397 assessment questions and answers. Is there a way of pulling out a predetermined number of records at random? Would the random function be appropriate here? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
comment Posted March 10, 2011 Share Posted March 10, 2011 I would define an unstored calculation field (result is Number) = Random. To get N random records, show all records, sort by the calculation field, go to record number N+1 and omit multiple records [Get (FoundCount) - N]. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adyf Posted March 10, 2011 Author Share Posted March 10, 2011 I would define an unstored calculation field (result is Number) = Random. Thanks for the reply comment. So the first step for 40 records as an example would be (40)= Random? I suspect not because this returns a value of zero across all records. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
comment Posted March 10, 2011 Share Posted March 10, 2011 No, the first step would be to define a calculation field. Enter = Random as the formula, set the result type to Number, and storage options to 'Do not store…' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adyf Posted March 12, 2011 Author Share Posted March 12, 2011 go to record number N+1 and Sorted the random calculation. If N = 40, what's the best way to go to the 41st record now that they are in random order? omit multiple records [Get (FoundCount) - N]. Do I use the Get(FoundCount) - N in the specify box of Omit All Records script step? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
comment Posted March 12, 2011 Share Posted March 12, 2011 what's the best way to go to the 41st record Use the Go to Record/Request/Page[] script step. Do I use the Get(FoundCount) - N in the specify box of Omit All Records script step? Yes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adyf Posted March 12, 2011 Author Share Posted March 12, 2011 Works a treat, thank you very much! I was expecting it to pull the same 40 records out every time I run the script but I'm delighted that it doesn't. That can only mean that the random value must be changing in each record, at what point does it do that? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
comment Posted March 12, 2011 Share Posted March 12, 2011 Unstored calculation fields are evaluated "as needed". When you call for records to be sorted by the field, that's when it's needed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
This topic is 4765 days old. Please don't post here. Open a new topic instead.
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now