>I've been wondering why it is necessary to code a date (ex: dtoc{^1970.01.01})) with the hat(^) symbol included in the date. If it isn't placed inside the date, the compiler complains of an ambibuous date.
>
>Thank you in advance,
>Bob Macdonald

The caret (^) signifies a date in the strict date format. The strict date format is consistent regardless to the SET DATE setting and the SET CENTURY setting.

For example;

ldDate1 = CTOD("01/02/50")
ldDate2 = {^1950/01/02}

with SET DATE AMERICAN

lddate1 = Jan 2 1950
lddaet2 = Jan 2 1950

with SET DATE BRITISH

ldDate1 = Feb 1 1950
ldDate2 = Jan 2 1950

with SET DATE AMERICAN and SET CENTURY TO 19 ROLLOVER 51

ldDate1 = Jan 2 2050
lddaet2 = Jan 2 1950

So you can see that using a date literal that is NOT in strict date format is an ambigous date reference. You should use the strict date format for all date literals.