Product_id changes (string added) when inserted into database?

[Ajeh]

When a Product is added to the customers_basket it is added as the products_id ...

The difference will be if there are attributes where a prid is created, or a reference point, for the product to the attribute(s) of the given product ...

This allow you to add Product A with products_id 27 and Attribute with Color Red ... and then add Product A with products_id 27 and Attribute with Color Blue ...

[conboy]

Thanks for the quick response!

I'm trying to do something unique as far as I have read in the forums for the last three years, but I'll try and explain clearly.

I need to have each "product" be unique in my zencart. The snag that I have run into is the system automatically detects if a product with the same product_id-prid is in the database. I have been able to get the system to do what I want by changing the product_id's in the database, and restarting my session. I was wondering if there is an easy way to insert a unique id automatically in the code?

[Ajeh]

Are you saying if I order a Widget in Red ... and then add it a second time to the cart that you do not want it to say quantity 2 but rather have separate records?

You are kind of losing me here on what it is you are trying to do as the products_id is unique on each product and adding attributes builds a prid to keep them unique based on product/attribute combination as they are added to the cart ...

[conboy]

I know its a little confusing.......my products and attributes can be duplicated, but I have another "attribute" that is custom to each customer. This custom attribute in combination with product and global attribute cannot be duplicated. Needless to say I have custom coded a lot for this to happen in zencart.

Your previous explanation has lead me to a possible solution

I have added a microtime() to the prid md5 id that is created when inserted into the database.

Can you foresee any major problems with this solution?

Thanks again for the quick responses!

[Ajeh]

If you use the products_id field and add on to the prid and it keeps things tracked together it should work ...

Otherwise, you will want to use a seperate field for your code so that it doesn't conflict with product tracking etc.