next lowest number in mysql

how do i do a query that i want the next lowest number higher then a certain number

so for example if i have data like in the id step_number

1
3
4
5
6

if i just want the next highest number higher then 1...but i dont know the numbers they vary every time. I just know i need the next lowest number higher then a number. So in t开发者_开发技巧his case i would want 3 returned

select step_number from system_step_product where step_number > 1
order by step_number asc limit 1;

this works but is there a better way

Your solution might be the most performant, but another solution that would work in other DB's would be:

SELECT MIN(step_number)
FROM system_step_product
WHERE step_number > 1

Indexing that column is also probably a good idea.

I don't think there's a better way; that's a pretty efficient way of doing it.

Also, do you have a reason for looking for a better way? To quote Knuth,

"Premature optimization is the root of all evil."

This also works:

SELECT MIN(step_number) 
FROM system_step_product 
WHERE step_number > 1