Action command S (select) on dates/numbers

[Chris Sharman]

>I just wonder if it is possible to use the S action for dates (or numbers) in
>combination with wildcards, i.e.
>- all invoices with '1999' in the date
>- all clients with '000' in the clients ID number
>- etc.
>I never find out if it's possible and

If they're really numbers, then NO, you can't (in general).
Come to that, you can't find from a date or number (the "@@" find syntax).

If your numbers are zoned, you can relatively easily redefine them as
characters, and then everything works.

If they're binary, redefinition is still possible, but setting up a suitable
pattern would be difficult or impossible, as non-printing characters are
disallowed in patterns.
It does work well with "@@" though (RMS).
Eg, for a field MYDATE (I typically use VMSDATE, but it would work the same for
ordinary PH dates): add a redefinition MYDATEC and an index MYDATEC to the
dictionary. DON'T rebuild the file - Powerhouse will use the MYDATE index
without complaining. Add an access lineto your screen:
	ACCESS VIA MYDATEC USING MYDATEC+"@@" REQUEST MYDATE

>(if yes) how to do it, or
>(if not) why not (Conrad, Bob) ?

Well, it would be possible to implement. OTOH, there is a workaround (use
character or zoned datatypes, even for date/numeric fields).
So it's a question of priorities, like always.

Chris
_______________________________________________________________________
Chris.Sharman@CCAgroup.co.uk		http://www.ccagroup.co.uk/
CCA Stationery Ltd, Eastway, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9WS.


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