Get random records from `findMany` and also with pagination

Problem

Comming from https://github.com/prisma/prisma/discussions/5886.

As discussed in Prisma 1 forum, looks like there is no way to find random records with findMany. Indeed, this is such a challenge to use with pagination.

Suggested solution

Providing a random function from prisma would be an easy solution for users therefore we can expect results with orderBy: random(). Although this results in a bad performance in pure sql, I think Prisma can do better internally without just exposing the random inside the sql.

Alternatives

If the below pagination query and raw query could aggregate, it would scope down many limitations.

prisma.item.findMany({
  ...relayToPrismaPagination({
    after,
    before,
    first,
    last,
  }),
  where: {
    ...filters,
  },
  orderBy: {id: 'desc'},
});

select * from "Item" limit 20
offset floor(random() * (select count(*) from "Item"));

[deemeetree]

Yes, we absolutely need this feature. Please, consider adding it into the next upgrades.

[perroudsky]

@hyochan

My temporary solution is to add a ‘randomizer’ field to your model. When you create your item, you store a random string into that ‘randomizer’. Then in your query you order it by adding orderBy: {randomizer: ‘desc’} for exemple.

I’ve used short-uuid to generate my random string.

Not perfect of course, mainly because even if randomised, the items are always returned in the same order (but I guess its necessary for pagination so…).

Hope this help 😃