How do you create a random string that's suitable for a session ID in PostgreSQL?

Question

I'd like to make a random string for use in session verification using PostgreSQL. I know I can get a random number with SELECT random(), so I tried SELECT md5(random()), but that doesn't work. How can I do this?

Answer 1

You can fix your initial attempt like this:

SELECT md5(random()::text);

Much simpler than some of the other suggestions. :-)