Phone number formats in the UK

[ML!]

This is probably a simple question for folks that live in the UK. I'm developing a db for a UK company and I haven't dealt with phone number formats there before. North America is so easy because it's always

(###) ###-#####

What I understand is that the area codes in the UK can be anywhere from 2 to 5 digits after the 0.

Does anyone have advice as to ensuring valid entry in a form and format for viewing in a form or report? TIA

 

[ML!]

Re: Phone number formats in the UK (& similarly complex post codes)

From Wikipedia:

"for almost every rule concerning UK postcodes, an exception can be found. Automatic validation of postcodes on the basis of pattern feasibility is therefore almost impossible to design"

Did anyone do the impossible?

 

[gemma-the-husky]

sorry, are we talking phone numbers, or post codes/zip codes

either way, I dont bother validating user input.

if they get it wrong, does it matter?

but just leave it as unformatted text field (not number), and let them enter the code/number as the required.

 

[ML!]

Hi Dave, I realized when I went to post another question that I forgot to respond. Apologies and thanks for your reply. It does matter a bit but not so much it's worth worrying about in this circumstance. You convinced me!

 

[ML!]

BTW - I did mean both and your response was useful for both.

(Gemma's adorable)