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

if you don't delete row in this table, the most efficient way is:

(if you know the mininum id just skip it)

SELECT MIN(id) AS minId, MAX(id) AS maxId FROM table WHERE 1

$randId=mt_rand((int)$row['minId'], (int)$row['maxId']);

SELECT id,name,... FROM table WHERE id=$randId LIMIT 1