> > if it can take only numeric values u can use is_numeric() > > also i suggest that you not to use nulls in dbs. instead, use "not null" > and "default value" property. Its more simple and more effective for both > managing your database and coding your program. > > It's a CHAR (60) field. This database has been around for close to a decade and I'm not the DBA for it. And with several billion records and 1000's of tables I don't see them getting updated/changed. (The gov't doesn't like change)