Trying to understand the date input mask.

[Guest]

Somewhat of a newbie - I have been putting the date input mask into a few
date/time formats in an Access table. I have read the help section concerning
the various codes. I have one mask: 99\->L<\-00;0;_ and another
00\->L<\-00;0;_. I know that the '9' relates to entry not required and 0 to
entry required. However, I am unable to see any practical difference between
the lead 99 and the 00 - what am I missing. In addition, I am still unable to
see the reason for the latter ;0;_

Would appreciate help in my understanding. Thanks. Norm.

 

[Allen Browne]

Internally, Access stores date/time values as numbers, where the integer
part represents the date, and the fraction part the time of day.

The input mask is therefore used during data entry only. In my experience,
all it does is act as a hindrance for good data entry people who know they
can use just 3 keystrokes to enter many dates, e.g.:
5/1

The input mask:
- forces entry of each character
- prevents inserting a digit if you typed too fast.
- does nothing to aid the integrity of the data entry.
- permits even the Year to be misunderstood where you specify a 2-digit
year.

IMHO, input masks are about as useful as a soluble fish.