How to test for a number

[Rob Cozens]

>Awesome stuff Rob!

Thanks, Jonathan,

>Mine was not that advanced.

The issue appears trivial at first; but when one examines the range of user 
errors possible (eg: "-" or currency symbols in mid number; thousand 
separators not four characters apart, out of sync with decimal position, or 
after the decimal), it gets to be more of a challenge.

The validNumber function evolved of some time, as I encountered each error 
type myself.

Rob Cozens, Staff Conservator
Mendonoma Marine Life Conservancy
P.O. Box 217
Manchester, CA 95459-0217
(707) 895-2584

"Like peace, the real work of saving the ocean is not only carried out in 
diplomatic chambers and government offices.  It is carried out in the 
hearts and hands of people.  People who think and act.  People who care."

-Anatoly Sagalevitch in "Saving the Oceans".  Editor Joseph MacInnis