Re: date validate

Hmmm, I have a javascript date validator too.  Unless I need to validate
against larger tables all validation is done on the html page before the
form goes anywhere.  For the input fields that have to validated against
larger tables I do a background form submit onblur and react to the result,
depending on the page layout or complexity, either with an alert box or a
className or style change on the input field.
bill
 

----- Original Message ----- 
From: Michael_Schutte@xxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:Michael_Schutte@xxxxxxxxxxxx>  
To: Midrange Systems Technical  <mailto:midrange-l@xxxxxxxxxxxx> Discussion 
Sent: Wednesday, March 15, 2006 9:54 AM
Subject: RE: date validate


Why wouldn't you validate that YEAR was specified before allowing the page 
to be submitted? 

You're right, garbage in, garbage out.  To me, the YEAR check should be 
done interactively on the page, not in a CGI process. 

I won't go .net on you, as I don't use it here.  I don't know enough of it. 
But JavaScript can be used to test the value. :-) 

Michael Schutte 
Work 614-492-7419 
email  michael_schutte@xxxxxxxxxxxx 


                                                                           
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Always, it depends... 

What do you do when you receive date input from a web page? Suppose I have 
separate fields for the month, day, and year. The user types in the month 
and day only. All TEST opcode operations will fail. How do I test the date? 

I did something similar with the express purpose of validating dates from 
web pages. That way, if the user puts in just the month and day, I can 
default in the current year. 

The problem I have with the TEST opcode is I need to know the date format 
to 
test. Now depending on how the date input fields are set up, that could be 
easy or difficult. I prefer to use separate input fields for better 
control. 
An all-in-one field that can be used in .net could provide some confusion. 

Don't go all .net on me, either. Yes, the date validator in .net is helpful 
and nice, but don't forget the mantra for web applications: don't trust 
user 
input. Don't rely on the .net validator to ensure your program has valid 
dates. 

We don't know the OP's application target (5250, web), but having a more 
robust and flexible validation routine than TEST can't hurt, for the 
reasons 
Bill mentioned. 

Loyd Goodbar 
Senior programmer/analyst 
BorgWarner 
E/TS Water Valley 
662-473-5713 
-----Original Message----- 
From: Michael_Schutte@xxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:Michael_Schutte@xxxxxxxxxxxx
<mailto:Michael_Schutte@xxxxxxxxxxxx> ] 
Sent: Wednesday, March 15, 2006 08:01 
To: Midrange Systems Technical Discussion 
Subject: Re: date validate 

My opinion is that it's a waste of time to go through all that trouble. 
Making a mountian out of a mole hill.  If all you want to do is test the 
date value in a character or numerical field, then just use the TEST 
function. 

Michael Schutte 
Work 614-492-7419 
email  michael_schutte@xxxxxxxxxxxx