title: Function similar to MD5() for random string generation (preferably crypto-secure)
body: <p>Currently working on a PHP project where I need to create a 9 character key, and recently came upon the MD5() function which I know is capable of creating a 32 character randomization, but is there anyway to shorten it down? </p>
  
  <p>Is there another function that could possibly do a random number and letter combination of shorter length? I wrote a little algorithm for concatenating something similar a while back but having trouble injecting it into my code. The ID should be somewhat secure, and the DB will be checked for dups.</p>