Magento - Four Products on Homepage - Random Order - Foreach Loop -

i'm trying 4 random products on homepage using php within tpl file i've created. i'd able format products in foreach loop i'm using formatting in code seen below...

<div class="three columns">   <div class="product_container no_border">     <div class="product">       <a href="product_page.html"><img src="<?php echo $this->getskinurl('images/products/place_holder.jpg'); ?>" alt=" "></a>     </div>      <div class="product_title">       <a href="product_page.html">240 serving package</a>     </div>      <div class="price_hp">$454.99</div>      <div class="free_shipping">       <div class="fs"></div>       free shipping package     </div>      <div class="shop_btn">       <a href="#">add cart</a>     </div>   </div> </div> 

i don't know php use though grab 4 products category , randomize order. may have guidance please?

thanks!

use following code in phtml file randomize products..

$categoryid = 15; $category = new mage_catalog_model_category(); $category->load($categoryid); $products = $category->getproductcollection(); $products->addattributetoselect('*'); $products->getselect()->order('rand()'); $products->getselect()->limit(4); foreach($products $prod) {   echo $prod->getname() ."<br>";   $img=$prod->getsmallimageurl();   echo "<img src='$img'>" ."<br>"; }