Create an secure unique number or code

How can this be done?

[Compworld]

I need to some how generate a unique code or number sequence for each lead from a site that will be referring traffic to my site. How can this be done? It would also have to be able to be transmitted over SSL.

Any tips will really be appreciated.

Thanks,

CompWorld

[rogerdp]

What is wrong with starting with 1 and adding 1 each time you need another?

[Compworld]

Hi,

One of the marketing companies that we want to work with requires a unique variable for every lead that they send us. So, I need to so how have a way to pull the unique variable from the confirmation page so that they would have this unique information for each referrer that they send us.

Is this possible?

Thanks,

CompWorld

[rharri]

Do a search for "password generator". There are several freeware and open source ones that you can set the length of the "password" and make it all numbers or mixed if you wish.

[rogerdp]

A password generator won't create unique strings.

[txbakers]

do you have ASP or CGI available?
You could store the number in adatabase or simple text file and just retrieve the number + 1

[okrogius]

Just use concenate current unix timestamp and a (pseudo-) randomly generated number of five digits or so. The chances of ever getting the same "ID" is slim to none.

If you need this "algorithm" to remain secret then just hash the above (md5 or sha1) while adding a secret salt.

[Compworld]

Yes, I have both ASP & CGI. Been having a problem with Perl, but ASP works fine.

Thanks,

CompWorld

[too much information]

why not just add the date/time to the string?

if you combine the two and do a replace to remove the formatting of the strings you should end up with a unique string for every hit. (as long as they do not happen in the same exact second.)

[rogerdp]

During peak times it is very, very possible to get two hits in the same second.

[Ares]

Well you stated that you are having some trouble with ASP currently but here is one script you might want to take a quick look at:
======================================================
# create a unique session id
# input - string to use as part of the data used to create the session key.
# Although not required, it is best if this includes some unique
# data from the site, such as it's IP address or other environment
# information. For ZOPE applications, pass in the entire ZOPE "REQUEST"
# object.
def makeSessionId(st):
import md5, time, base64
m = md5.new()
m.update('this is a test for your marketing firm')
m.update(str(time.time()))
m.update(str(st))
return string.replace(base64.encodestring(m.digest())[:-3], '/', '$')

=====================================================

I'm sure I have a cgi version around some place as well...bear with me as I search and get back. Feel free to drop me a line if you wish

[Ares]

AH! Look at that it was actual Perl your having trouble with.

Let me know if this works out for you or if you might need more information.

[Compworld]

Going to try it out.

Thanks,

CompWorld