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Zip Code / Postal Code Validation

 
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Zip Code / Postal Code Validation
1learner
24 Dec, 2007 - 07:33 PM
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Is there any standardised utility or API specifications for validation of postal or zip codes?
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lockdown
RE: Zip Code / Postal Code Validation
24 Dec, 2007 - 07:42 PM
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Are you looking for a database of zip codes to verify user input with?
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1learner
RE: Zip Code / Postal Code Validation
24 Dec, 2007 - 09:00 PM
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QUOTE(lockdown @ 24 Dec, 2007 - 08:42 PM) *

Are you looking for a database of zip codes to verify user input with?


The application will accept addresses, so I guess ideally it should able to verify the address entered (e.g. Country and City) against the postal code.
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RE: Zip Code / Postal Code Validation
24 Dec, 2007 - 09:06 PM
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Well it all depends on what language u are going with. What do u want to programmer it in?
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Amadeus
RE: Zip Code / Postal Code Validation
27 Dec, 2007 - 08:01 AM
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For the type of validation you are looking for, the methodology would be the same regardless of language. there are a few choices:

1. A database of valid codes with their corresponding address ranges (this can get out of date quickly.
2. An API that can be used to call a source that is maintained at a higher level (not sure what exists for the region you wish to validate against, or even what regions those may be).
3. A software implementation of the business logic around valid codes - the business logic is available from your postal service - you just have to write the code that checks against it.

What regions are you looking to validate against?
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1learner
RE: Zip Code / Postal Code Validation
28 Dec, 2007 - 07:38 AM
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QUOTE(Amadeus @ 27 Dec, 2007 - 09:01 AM) *

For the type of validation you are looking for, the methodology would be the same regardless of language. there are a few choices:

1. A database of valid codes with their corresponding address ranges (this can get out of date quickly.
2. An API that can be used to call a source that is maintained at a higher level (not sure what exists for the region you wish to validate against, or even what regions those may be).
3. A software implementation of the business logic around valid codes - the business logic is available from your postal service - you just have to write the code that checks against it.

What regions are you looking to validate against?

Thanks. That sounds about right. We are looking for validating American and European / Middle Eastern addresses mainly. Are there any databases or services around that we could subscribe to?
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Amadeus
RE: Zip Code / Postal Code Validation
28 Dec, 2007 - 08:55 AM
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There are quite a number, actually. A common one for US/Canada codes is the following:

http://www.zip-codes.com/

but there are many other services. In the end, the service you choose should be chosen based on how you will be validating...and remember, if you choose a standalone database representation, make sure they offer regular updates. smile.gif Or update them yourself, of course.

Finally, depending on what language you are using to program in, some languages offer a postal code class that can at least validate the format, if not the code itself.
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1learner
RE: Zip Code / Postal Code Validation
29 Dec, 2007 - 08:07 PM
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QUOTE(Amadeus @ 28 Dec, 2007 - 09:55 AM) *

There are quite a number, actually. A common one for US/Canada codes is the following:

http://www.zip-codes.com/

but there are many other services. In the end, the service you choose should be chosen based on how you will be validating...and remember, if you choose a standalone database representation, make sure they offer regular updates. smile.gif Or update them yourself, of course.

Finally, depending on what language you are using to program in, some languages offer a postal code class that can at least validate the format, if not the code itself.


Thank you. That's useful.
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snoj
RE: Zip Code / Postal Code Validation
29 Dec, 2007 - 08:17 PM
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Another member had a similar problem not that long ago. What he did might interest you.
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