Validation help :(

OK, a bit new to the javascript seen but know it has a lot to offer. At the moment I'm just writing a web site to connect to an SQL database and so users can enter data through the website and into the database....ANY HOW, i'm trying to use java script to validate input for a Field called "DNAME" in a form called "FORM1". So far I have only been able to do validation for the input to be between 1 & 14 char's (poor i know). What I really want is for:

1. the "-" and " " chars must be entered (" " = space)
2. the "-" and " " char must not be at the start or last char entered
3. "-" can not be the immediate neighbour of " "
4. "-" or " " must not be adjacent to itself

If any one can help me on any of them, i'd b very grateful !!!

P.S. jus in case u wana see what i done so far, here it is:

<script language="JavaScript">
<!--

function check()
{
send = 'yes'

if ((document.form1.dname.value.length <1) || (document.form1.dname.value.length > 14))
{
alert("Department Name must be between 1 & 14 characters")
send='no'
}

}

//-->
</script>

smells like homework...

Have you looked into Regular Expressions?
Although if you're new to javascript, chances are Regex will be over your head.

You might want to look into charAt() method.
Or the many other Javascript String Functions

Your first two points aren't that difficult [refer to charAt()]...
The other two points require minimal thinking, but again use charAt() or search() [for example]

I think RegExp would make it really simple and short!


^([a-zA-Z0-9]+-[a-zA-Z0-9]+\s[a-zA-Z0-9]+)+$

That's the regexp to use (not perfect..but I think it will do). if no numbers are to be entered, remove the 0-9 part everywhere!!
Are you allowed to enter more than just one - and one " " ? If not, use:

^[a-zA-Z0-9]+-[a-zA-Z0-9]+\s[a-zA-Z0-9]+$

Since I know you're going to ask...the code would be:



Please MadCowDzz...correct me if I'm mistaken (you have more knowlage on Javascript than I do)

Good Luck to all

ANibal.

Fancy stuff Anibal... I love regular expressions, I was just too scared/lazy to write it =)
The only thing your regex doesn't take into account is the 14 character length, which is fine because jimmyd4ng3r already figured that part out.
I tested it against "11-1 11" and it validated...

If anyone's interested, here's the full script I used to test:

Thanks MadCowDzz! Yes, I love RegExp too (altough I wouldn't call this one fancy...too much credit for me!) I think they save a lot of time and code.
I didn't see the 14 character limit. Better!, that way...he gets use to working with regexp and also plain Javascript (I sound like a school teacher!! ).

Good Luck to you all

Anibal.

Cheers peeps, i very grateful. I wish i could grasp programming languages as well as you lot. I a networking student and for some reason I have to make web sites on my course. I also have to do Java Networking, and thats HARD. No doubt you lot would find that module a pleasure...wish i did


once again, MUCH appriciated

jimi

I think I speak for everyone when I say: you're welcome!