trim on number

[simran_dua]

Hi all

I need to trim a column which has a number from 11 digits to 10 digits . 

I tried converting it to string first using the "Tostring" function . (I created a new column to do this ) 

Post that the "Metadata" showed the type to be V_String . 

The new column I created above which did show the format to be V_string , I used that for the trim function but it gave me an error 

Parse error at char (0) : Type mismatch. Number provided where a string is required .

otherwise is there some way to trim a number ?

can you please suggest what should I do ?

thanks 

[fmvizcaino]

Hi @simran_dua ,

You can use the formula tool to trim left or right as example attached.

Take a look and let me know if that works for you.

Best,

Fernando Vizcaino

[DiganP]

@simran_dua you can use a select tool to convert the number to a string or Vstring. Then in the formula tool, you can use left([field],10) or right([field],10) to get the left or right left numbers, respectively. 

Does that help?

[simran_dua]

Hi 

thank you both of you for the quick replies 

I tried doing the same , but still does not work . 

even though the input file metadata shows that "Header field name " is "V_string"

[fmvizcaino · Accepted solution]

Hi @simran_dua ,

The only thing you are missing are the quotes in the 2nd parameter.

trim([Filed name],'5')

But you need to use trimleft or trimright to remove character from the sides. Trim function as you wrote will remove the number 5 from the edges of your number. For example, the number 515 = 1, 15 = 1

Best,

Fernando Vizcaino

[simran_dua]

thank you so much .

[novice1]

how can trim DateToday() to display only year and have this in Date format?