Incrementing numbers

[RubyRue]

Hi
Looking for a bit of help. I have a request form that when a user opens a new request it populates the ref number straight away. What I'd like it to do it check the db to see what the last number was and increment it by 1 and that is the new ref number, they can then fill it out and submit it.

However there is also another part where if there was an original request that was rejected, a user can go back and re-submit that request with changes however they don't want it to overwrite the original request so what they'd like to happen is the user can search for their previous request and select it. What it needs to do then is take the original ref number, ie 1001 and add an a, b, c etc on the end to show it is a re-submitted request.

I thought about using auto increment in sql however as I've also got to user alphanumeric characters on the ref numbers I don't think this will allow it. I'm a complete newbie so any help would be greatly appreciated

Thanks

[Monie]

You could use random function to generate random numbers! Before submiting them to the database, you need to compare the value with what you have in your database to avoid duplication.
Usually, I will stick for the Auto Increment number generated from the database..

[magicben]

what is your database ?
with Oracle, for instance, you could use a sequence and add your alphabetic character at the end of it.

[frinkky]

Use 2 id's. the overall table id + a support tag id. keep 2 tables (it seems easier in my mind).
Most support ticket systems will not have this random ticket number but a combination of your user id + time/date (for example). Only after its been officially submitted will a random association be attached that can be recalled for further business with it, thats the way to do it (IMO)