storing 16 digit number

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

WB - 21 Jan 2005 22:42 GMT

any suggestions on how to create a field to store a 16 digit number (gift
Card number). I don't believe I can use a data type as a number since the
card number is so long. Your input is appreciated.

wb

Reply to this Message

Douglas J. Steele - 21 Jan 2005 23:03 GMT

Use text. Since it's unlikely you're going to do arithmetic on it, there's
no reason to store it as a number. If you're going to be putting in logic to
check that it's a proper card number, you're probably going to be adding
together particular digits and the such, and the Mid function is what you'll
need for that.

Signature

Doug Steele, Microsoft Access MVP
http://I.Am/DougSteele
(no e-mails, please!)

> any suggestions on how to create a field to store a 16 digit number (gift
> Card number). I don't believe I can use a data type as a number since the
> card number is so long. Your input is appreciated.
>
> wb

Reply to this Message

John Vinson - 21 Jan 2005 23:47 GMT

>any suggestions on how to create a field to store a 16 digit number (gift
>Card number). I don't believe I can use a data type as a number since the
>card number is so long. Your input is appreciated.
>
>wb

You're correct. You'll never be doing math with this "number" anyway,
so a Number datatype is inappropriate anyway!

Simply use a Text field; if you wish, use an Input Mask of

0000000000000000

to force entry of exactly 16 numeric characters.

John W. Vinson[MVP]

Reply to this Message