What is "serialized date"

[K1200]

A popular book on FileMaker states:

GetAsNumber ( Get ( Current Date) ) returns 731689 when the date is 4/18/2004

And later states that the Month function can accept "an integer that represents a serialized date value". For example: Month ( 718977 ) returns 6

But they don't include any definition of "serialized date value" in order to follow the calculation.

What I'm seeking is a reliable way to turn a date into an integer -- and then get the date back again. The exact format doesn't matter, but extracting the usable date does. I suppose I can use a Month + Day + Year method to reconstruct the date, but I'd like to understand the basis for doing so.

Anyone have a suggestion on a source of information?

[Ocean West]

filemaker calculates the dates from 01/01/0001

the number 732830 represents the days that has past from that date to 6/3/07.

Edited June 5, 2007 by Guest

[K1200]

Thanks. That helps somewhat. Can you confirm that there is no FMP function to get the date back out of the integer -- excepting the "assemble the parts" method that I mentioned?

[Ocean West]

you can a calculation.... just reference the number field but the result type of calculation is a date

For example

NumberField = 732830

DateField = Calculation (resulting as Date just reference the NumberField ) or Date Field (auto enter: NumberField)

[The Shadow]

GetAsDate( 732830 ) should get it back.

[K1200]

Oh. Yes, I did answer my own question, didn't I?

I got a little caught up with some other calculations I was doing and factored a few too many things in -- and missed the obvious. (It's getting late.)

Sorry. Thanks for responding, though.

[Ocean West]

No need to apologize...

It happens all the time! :beer: