DataMask

The masking pattern used to display the form field's data value.

Valid Values

The applicable masking pattern characters depend on the data type (DT) of the form field (e.g., non-digit, alphanumeric, numeric, and date)

Remarks

Currently, DataMask is used only for entry fields.

In text-class windows, the DataMask acts as both a display and an input mask.

In graphic windows, the DataMask acts solely as a display mask.

The data entered by the end-user should conform to the data type assigned to the form field (e.g., if the field is date, the entry is a number of the form YYYYMMDD). When the form field loses focus, the data is formatted according to the DataMask.

For a more detailed explanation of mask patterns and their relation to data types, see Masking.

Behavior of the DataMask attribute in Text and Graphich Windows

Display-Masked Form Fields in Text-Class Windows

Display-masked form fields are shown with the display mask in place only when:

• the form field is unprotected (e.g., awaiting input), or
• there is data in the form field (e.g., browsing records).

At all other times, the display mask is suppressed.

If an unprotected numeric form field has a display mask consisting entirely of floating $s or Zs, the appearance of the mask in an empty form field varies depending on the AN (allow nulls) attribute as follows:

• If the same form field also has the VR (value required) attribute set to Y and is empty, the form field is displayed as shown in the Nulls Allowed ("Y") column, above.
• In a form field with AN (allow nulls) set to Y and a floating $ mask, the dollar sign appears as soon as a digit is typed into the form field.
• If a form field with a floating mask is erased, or if all the digits in the form field are deleted, the mask disappears. (Only fill characters are displayed.)

Display-Masked Form Fields in Graphic Windows

A display-masked form field is shown with its mask in place whenever:

• the field does not have focus; or
• the field has focus, but is not available (i.e., is guarded, protected, or unavailable).

See Also

AN, CM, DT, FieldLen, WdgInputMask