VERIFY( ) function

Returns a logical value indicating whether the data in a physical data field is valid.

Syntax

VERIFY(field)

Parameters

Name Type Description
field

character

numeric

datetime

Must be a physical data field.

Output

Logical. Returns T (true) if data in the field is valid, and F (false) otherwise.

Examples

Basic examples

Extracts any records where the VERIFY( ) function evaluates to false to a new Analytics table:

EXTRACT RECORD IF NOT VERIFY(Address) TO "InvalidEntries.fil"

Remarks

The VERIFY( ) function determines whether the data in a field is consistent with the specified data type for the field.

When to use VERIFY( )

The function provides more precise control over the fields you want to verify than either the VERIFY command or the Verify Data option in the Numeric tab in the Options dialog box (Tools > Options). You can use the function to detect errors in individual fields and proceed in a situation-specific manner.

When the function evaluates to true

For the function to evaluate to true:

  • character fields must contain only valid, printable characters, such as letters, numbers, and symbols
  • numeric fields must contain only valid numeric characters, such as numbers, decimals, and currency symbols
  • datetime fields must contain only valid dates, datetimes, or times

Computed fields and expressions

Computed fields and expressions always evaluate to T (true), so this function cannot be used with computed fields or expressions unless they are first converted to physical fields. Using the Fields option in the Extract dialog box to extract computed fields or expressions converts them to physical fields.

ACL Scripting Guide 14.1