Re: Email Validation

"DA Morgan" <damorgan_at_exxesolutions.com> wrote in message news:3E92EF08.278FC935_at_exxesolutions.com...
> Wayne Hinch wrote:
>
> > Daniel,
> >
> > If i alter this table in this way how can i program it on the client
side
> > (forms)? Because if i don't do anything on the client side it will only
> > crash won't it?
> >
> > Wayne
> >
> > "DA Morgan" <damorgan_at_exxesolutions.com> wrote in message
> > news:3E91A211.9695AB12_at_exxesolutions.com...
> > > Wayne Hinch wrote:
> > >
> > > > Hi,
> > > >
> > > > I am trying to validate an email which a user will enter, how do I
go
> > about
> > > > to do this? I would like to trap for an @ and a . in the text field
on a
> > > > form which is being programmed in Forms 6.0.
> > > >
> > > > Any help will be much appreciated.
> > > >
> > > > Wayne
> > >
> > > Use a check constraint on the underlying table.
> > >
> > > ALTER TABLE person
> > > ADD CONSTRAINT cc_person_email_address
> > > CHECK (per_email_address LIKE '_%@_%._%');
> > >
> > > Data constraints belong in the table, not the form.
> > >
> > > Daniel Morgan
> > >
>
> What Niall said.
>
> In general ... all validation should be on the server rather than in the
form.
> Doing this has several advantages.
>
> 1. Easier coding and maintenance.
> 2. No circumvention via connection through other tools.
> 3. Leaner forms meaning faster load time.
> 4. Leaner forms meaning less network traffic.

Daniel,

In the days of two-tier, the only conclusion I ever came to was that validation should be in both places:

On the server, as a 'goalkeeper', to preserve the integrity of the data come what may, and to allow any client app to address the data, provided it uses the 'API' (i.e. 'no circumvention through other tools' as you say).

On the client as well, wherever practicable, so as to present a user-friendly interface.

Redundant client-side coding, I agree, but my view was that this was the least evil option.

Since then of course, newer apps are three-tier. This presents a new set of challenges, but IMHO the fundamental considerations are the same. Unfortunately however, with everything being third party apps these days, in my (admittedly limited) experience, we seem to have less and less involvement in design on the server side, with all the work being done through the app.

It seems to me in a number of respects, that this is actually a backward step.

Comments welcome.

Regards,
Paul Received on Tue Apr 08 2003 - 15:25:54 CDT