quick selection of a random row from a large table in mysql

Question

What is a fast way to select a random row from a large mysql table?

I\'m working in php, but I\'m interested in any solution even if it\'s in another language.

Answer 1

Maybe you could do something like:

SELECT * FROM table 
  WHERE id=
    (FLOOR(RAND() * 
           (SELECT COUNT(*) FROM table)
          )
    );

This is assuming your ID numbers are all sequential with no gaps.