select * from...

Hi to all, It's more mysql question than php, but I like you more than mysql guys! :) Let's say I have a table called "orders" and other table called "special_orders_instructions". Logically, one column in "orders" table should be link to "special_order_instructions" (foreign key ?) and if that one is checked go and grab special instructions after order_id. But, since "orders" table doesn't have such a column (and I CANNOT add it - long story...) I have to check for every order does that order_id exists in "special_order_instructions" table. And, if yes - print. Table "special_order_instructions" has about 25 columns and I have to show EVERY ONE. Means, have to use select * from special_order_instructions... But, just to check does such an order have any special instruction $query = mysql_query("select * from special_order_instructions..."); is bad idea. It would be "more" correct $query = mysql_query("select spec_inst_id from special_order_instructions..."); and then if (mysql_num_rows($query) > 0) { // Show instructions } Does this make a sense: $query = mysql_query("select spec_inst_id from special_order_instructions..."); if (mysql_num_rows($query) > 0) { $query = mysql_query("select * from special_order_instructions..."); while( ... ) {

      // show instructions here...

} } Thanks for any help! -afan