Input mask
Encyclopedia
In computer programming, an input mask refers to a string expression, defined by a developer, that governs what a user is allowed to enter in as input in a text box. It can be said to be a template, or set format that entered data must conform to, mainly used for the purposes of data integrity by preventing transcription error
Transcription error
A transcription error is a specific type of data entry error that is commonly made by human operators or by optical character recognition programs . Human transcription errors are commonly the result of typographical mistakes, putting fingers in the wrong place during touch typing is the easiest...

s. The syntax of this string expression differs from implementation to implementation, but the fundamental input types are all supported.

Some frequent uses of input masks include entry of telephone numbers, ZIP or postal codes, times and dates.

e.g. When entering into a text box a phone number on a data capture form, in the format "(11111) 111111" the area code brackets, the space between the number and the area code will automatically be placed in.

Generally speaking, an input mask is a user generated set of rules, so if say: only allows 45 characters, then the entry must stay up to or within 45 character, they cannot exceed this rules. This kind of string is useful in finding reports and healthcare files.
An example would be: LL00 00L this in detail shows what should be included.
The source of this article is wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.  The text of this article is licensed under the GFDL.
 
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