IsDummyZeroDate function added¶

The DataFlex Embedded Database stores an empty date value as zero, since dates are internally represented as the number of days since 0001-01-01. When using foreign databases, such as Microsoft SQL Server, DataFlex developers commonly enable the dummy zero date option provided by the corresponding DataFlex database driver. With this setting, a specific date value, typically the lowest date supported by the database, is treated as an empty or "zero" date.

In the host language used by the DataFlex Reports print engine, the minimum supported date is 1601-01-01. As a result, comparing dates against 0001-01-01 is not practical. In addition, date conversions and epoch adjustments can alter date values, making direct comparisons unreliable.

The new IsDummyZeroDate function addresses this issue by allowing the print engine to reliably identify and compare dummy zero dates. This enables reports to correctly handle empty date values, for example by suppressing rows or preventing placeholder dates from being printed.