SOLVED

How to handle indefinite date

Copper Contributor

Hey Microsoft Community,

 

I have a date field and one of the possible values is "Life" as in "for life".  Is there a way to convert the text "Life" into a date value that is indefinite?  Or should I just convert all the date values into short text, use an input mask and store it that way?  

 

I am very new to access so as always thank you for your input.  I look forward to working with you in solving this problem.  

 

Sincerely,

Eb

3 Replies
best response confirmed by ebenton (Copper Contributor)
Solution
Date fields must either be valid dates or null
I wouldn't convert all dates to text values as that will cause other issues e.g. sorting by date field in queries.
Would using something like #1/1/9999# be an acceptable alternative for 'Life'?
Knew I was missing something obvious. Thank you!

@ebenton 

You're welcome

 

1 best response

Accepted Solutions
best response confirmed by ebenton (Copper Contributor)
Solution
Date fields must either be valid dates or null
I wouldn't convert all dates to text values as that will cause other issues e.g. sorting by date field in queries.
Would using something like #1/1/9999# be an acceptable alternative for 'Life'?

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