Re: Unique rec. ID advice needed

Stan,

The best way to get unique keys is by using a sequencein Oracle. The datatype of the column should be number when using sequences. Check the syntax and methods of using in the sql language manual.

Hope this helps,

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Vikram Goel                                 Motorola email: vgoel_at_pts.mot.com
Sr. Oracle DBA - Consultant
Aerotek Inc.                                My email:  vgoel_at_emi.net

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In article <4ku88k$6qu_at_earth.superlink.net>, slv_at_superlink.net (Stan Varlamov) writes:


>What is the best way to build unique record IDs such as Product ID to use 


>for reference from Sales table? The ID should be assigned automatically 

>by the program every time a new Product is added to the Product table.

>

>1. Should I use Number or Varchar2 or Char field?

>2. If I use a character ID, should I add leading zeros to fill the blanks?

>3. What is the best way to generate IDs in a multiuser environment? 

>Should I keep a separate MaxCurrentID table and lock it every time I 

>generate next ID?

>

>Any practical advice appreciated.

>

>Stan.