Date-Time Values in Data Tables

Change Date-Time Input and Display Formats

In data tables, JMP can accept the input of date-time values in one format (the input format), store them internally as the number of seconds since the base date, and display them in a different date-time format. The Informat() and Format() functions give you this control.

• Informat() takes a string date-time value, defines the date format used in that string, and returns the date in ddMonyyyy format.

Informat( "19May2011 11:37:52 AM", "ddMonyyyy h:m:s" );

19May2011:11:37:52

• Format() takes the number of seconds since the base date (or a date-time function that returns that number) and returns the date in the specified format.

Format( 3388649872, "ddMonyyyy h:m:s" );

"19May2011 11:37:52 AM"

Format( Today(), "ddMonyyyy h:m:s" );

"19May2011 11:37:52 AM"

Suppose that you are entering dates into a column using the d/m/y h:m format, but you want to see the dates in the m/d/y format. Input Format defines the input format, and Format defines the display format. For example,

New Table( "Widget Assembly",

	Add Rows( 1 ),

	New Column( "Date",

		Numeric,

		"Continuous",

		Format( "m/d/y" ),

		Input Format( "d/m/y h:m" ),

		Set Values( [3126917100] )

	)

);

The Format and Input Format values are shown in the data table’s column properties (Figure 6.3). Note that when you click in the cell to edit it, the date-time value appears in the input format. When you edit the value, or add a new value, the format specified in the data table column Format list is used to display the value.

Figure 6.3 Example of Date-Time Display and Input Values 

Notes:

• In a script that converts a column from character to numeric, specify Format() and Informat() to prevent missing values. See Convert Character Dates to Numeric Dates.

• The date-separator character on your computer might differ from the forward slash (/) character shown in the Scripting Guide.

• You can enter time values in 24-hour format (military time) or with AM or PM designators.

Table 6.4 describes the formats used as arguments in date-time functions or as data table formats. You can also use the formats for the format argument to a Format message to a data column. See Set or Get Formats.

For descriptions of specific date-time functions, see Date and Time Functions in the JSL Syntax Reference.

Notes:

• Date-time formats in which a colon or T separate the date and time always use a 24-hour format. Other formats use your computer’s regional settings.

• If the format is unknown, an error is written to the log.

Want more information? Have questions? Get answers in the JMP User Community (community.jmp.com).