WireArray::findRandomTimed() method

Find a quantity of random elements from this WireArray based on a timed interval (or user provided seed).

If no $seed is provided, today's date (day) is used to seed the random number generator, so you can use this function to rotate items on a daily basis.

Idea and implementation provided by mindplay.dk

Example

// Get same 3 random items per day
$randomItems = $items->findRandomTimed(3);

// Get same 3 random items per hour
$randomItems = $items->findRandomTimed('YmdH'); 

Usage

// basic usage
$items = $wireArray->findRandomTimed(int $num);

// usage with all arguments
$items = $wireArray->findRandomTimed(int $num, $seed = 'Ymd');

Arguments

NameType(s)Description
numint

The amount of items to extract from the given list

seed (optional)int, string

Optionally provide one of the following:

  • A PHP date() format string.
  • A number used to see the random number generator.
  • The default is the PHP date format "Ymd" which makes it randomize once daily.

Return value

See Also


WireArray methods and properties

API reference based on ProcessWire core version 3.0.244

“…building with ProcessWire was a breeze, I really love all the flexibility the system provides. I can’t imagine using any other CMS in the future.” —Thomas Aull