The formatting functions impose the display format on the input numeric fields or expressions, Depending on data type, you can specify the characters for the decimal separator, thousands
separator, and so on.
The functions all return a dual value with both the string and the number value, but can be thought of as performing a number-to-string conversion. Dual() is a special case, but the other formatting functions take the numeric value of the input expression and generate a string representing the number.
In contrast, the interpretation functions do the opposite: they take string expressions and evaluate them as numbers, specifying the format of the resulting number.
The functions can be used both in data load scripts and chart expressions.
Information noteFor reasons of clarity, all number representations are given with a decimal point as the decimal separator.
Use the drop-down on each function to see a brief description and the syntax of each function. Click the function name in the syntax description for further details.
ApplyCodepage() applies a different code page character set to the field
or text stated in the expression. The codepage argument must be in number format.
Date() formats an
expression as a date using the format set in the system variables in the data load script, or the operating system, or a format string, if supplied.
Dual() combines a number and a string into a single record, such that the number representation of the record can be used for sorting and calculation purposes, while the string value can be used for display purposes.
Interval() formats
a number as a time interval
using the format in the system variables in the data load script, or the operating system, or a format string, if supplied.
Money() formats an
expression numerically as a money value, in the format set in the system variables set in the data load script, or in the operating system, unless a format string is supplied, and optional decimal and thousands separators.
Num() formats an
expression numerically in the number format set in the system variables in the data load script, or in the operating system, unless a format
string is supplied, and optional decimal and thousands separators.
Time() formats an expression as a time value, in the time format set
in the system variables in the data load script, or in the operating system, unless a format string is supplied.
TimeStamp() formats
an expression as a date and
time value, in the timestamp format set in the system variables in the data load script, or in the operating
system, unless a format string is supplied.
