RE: Data manipulation

I don't think there's a perfectly reliable way to do it.  If you can
validate the codes later, you can make a stab at parsing the field as long
as the code always comes after the state and there is at least one blank
between the end of the state and the start of the code.  If you get the
first token from the right, you should be able to extract postal code
candidates.  I can't remember how long Canadian postal codes, but ZIPs can
either be 5 or 9 long.  The other annoying thing is that there could be
white space or a hyphen in a 9 position ZIP.  eg 66666-6666.

To me, free form means that someone was able to key in anything.  Be
prepared for several passes.

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Tyra_Brodsky@vfc.com [mailto:Tyra_Brodsky@vfc.com]
> Sent: Wednesday, August 29, 2001 3:36 PM
> To: rpg400-l@midrange.com
> Subject: Data manipulation
>
>
> Hi:
>
> I have a free-form 36 position field with a state and postal code (but
> since its not edited I don't know where in the field)..
>
> Does anyone have a slick way of extracting the postal code?
>
> The postal code could be US or Canadian.....
>
> Thanks
>
> Tyra
>
> _______________________________________________