VERIFY( ) function
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.
