running number

I am required to write a user registration script that captures the basics like name, phone number etc etc. I would also have to write to mySQL database a number that is associated with that user. At this point of writing, the start of that number is unknown. But the number will be incremented by 1 after each successfull registration. Let's say the number starts from 12345. I am quite new at all these stuff and would like to seek your advise on the *recommended way* of achieving this. I am thinking along these lines: a) store that number (12345) in a table b) a user registers and assign that number to him c) increment number to 12346 d) process repeats for the next registration Concern: How do tell mySQL to lock the 'number' table when a new registration process is about to take place. Is locking the best option here or is/are there better ways? Please advise. -- Roger --------------------------------------------------- Sign Up for free Email at http://ureg.home.net.my/ ---------------------------------------------------