Re: How to update record in a specified order

JLL,

So, you want to update a field with a NEXTVAL counter, but with the counter
ordered by another column?

If so, you will have to use a procedure.   Ordering your UPDATEs is not part
of SQL -- it requires a procedural element.   Here's a simple procedure (you
debug it):

CREATE PROCEDURE add_my_table_counter ()
RETURNS TEXT AS '
DECLARE v_rec RECORD;
BEGINWHILE v_rec IN SELECT * FROM my_table ORDER BY last_name LOOP    UPDATE my_table SET counter_field =
NEXTVAL(''my_sequence'')   WHERE my_table.id = v_rec.id;END LOOP;RETURN ''Done updating.''; 
END;'
LANGUAGE 'plpgsql';

--
-Josh BerkusAglio Database SolutionsSan Francisco