Question about Input Masks

[testdba]

I'm just curious. Input masks can be put on a text field in the table or on the textbox of a form. Is there any advantage to masking one over the other?

 

[mcadle]

An input mask on a form "masks" what is typed in to the appropriate format. If the mask is on the table alone then when a user attempts to update and doesn't know the appropriate format they get an error.

In my opinion, if you want a specific format only, then put a mask at both locations. However, for dates I prefer to only mask the form. Reason being, I set the format on the table to be general date which includes a time stamp and on the form I mask it to short date. The user only inputs the short date but I also get a time stamp as well. This is useful later on for different reports, queries, etc..

Hope this helps.

 

[testdba]

Hey thanks for the tip about the date! I have a project that I have been messing with where I can use that!

 

[mcadle]

Yes that is true, but I use the input mask on dates because the user doesn't have to type "/" and they see the format. Since I use short date for the format on the text box on a form and I use an input mask as well, I force the user to not only see the format but make sure it is input as well. Many of my forms trigger queries with date searches using between two text box values. I have found when programming for the LCD this is the best way. It may not be the "correct" or "proper" way but it works with out failure.

 

[mcadle]

Good point Pat. Once again all knowing. One funny thing though..I have tried for years to get my $%&^#$%^ users to just type the last two digits of the year if in the current century and I can't get them to accept it. For most of them they are set in typing /, full years, and all sorts of extra crap that I can't get them to break from.

P.S. Congrats on the 2000 Monroe Magnus Sectional Race win. (I am assuming this is you.)