note 8255 modified in array_rand by zak

If you have not yet been able to upgrade to PHP 4, then here is a function that duplicates array_rand for PHP3. function fake_array_rand ($array, $num_req = 1) { # Ensure that $num_req has a sane value $num_req > 0 or $num_req = 1; $count = count ($array); for ($n=0; $n < $num_req; ++$n) { # Help keep the number generator random :) $randval and usleep ("0.$randval"); # Seed the random number generator # Generate a random number srand ((double) microtime() * 10000000); $randval = rand(); # Use the random value to 'pick' an entry from the array # Count the number of times that the entry is picked ++$index[$randval % $count]; } # Loop through the array for ($n = 0; $n < $count; ++$n, next ($array)) { # When we get to an entry that has been picked # Put the entry into an array for output # Don't forget to decrease the counter while ($index[$n]) { $out[] = key ($array); --$index[$n]; } } # Return a string if only on random key was asked for # otherwise return an array return ($num_req == 1) ? $out[0] : $out ; } # This function is distributed in the hope that it will be # useful,but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied # warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR # PURPOSE. http://www.php.net/manual/function.array-rand.php