Question

I found a good method of getting the next 4 digit number.
How to find next free unique 4-digit number

But in my case I want to get next available 4 or 5 digit number.
And this will change depending upon the users request. Theses number are not a key ID columns, but they are essential to the tagging structure for the business purpose.

Currently I use a table adabpter query. But how would I write a query.
I suppose I could do a long iterative loop through all values until I see a 4 digit.

But I’m trying to think of something more efficient.

Function GetNextAvailableNumber(NumofDigits) as Long
'SQL Code Here ----
'Query Number Table

Return Long


End Function

Here’s my current SQL:

'This Queries my View
SELECT MIN([Number]) AS Expr1
FROM  LineNumbersNotUsed

'This is my View SQL 
SELECT Numbers.Number
FROM Numbers
WHERE (((Exists (Select * From LineList Where LineList.LineNum =  Numbers.Number))=False))
ORDER BY Numbers.Number;

Numbers is the List of All available number from 0 to 99999, basically what’s available to use.

LineList is my final master table where I keep the long and all the relevant other business information.

Hopefully this make sense.

Gosh you guys are so tough on new guys.
I accidentally hit the enter key, and the question posted and I instantly get -3 votes.

Give a new guy a break will you! Please.

Answer 1

I apologize in advance in case I overlooked something in your question. Using your design, won’t a query like this return the next unused 4 digit number?

SELECT MIN([Number]) AS next_number
FROM  LineNumbersNotUsed
WHERE
        [Number] > 999
    AND [Number] < 10000;

This approach is not adequate with multiple concurrent users, but you didn’t indicate that is an issue for you.