date functions for verifying user input?

[afullcup]

I am collecting a date on a form and want it to be entered as MM/DD/YY - what's the best way to verify in my PHP that it is a correct date?

thanks!

[Eric]

Something i've used:

PHP Code:

/**
* We use this to ensure a valid date is entered
*
* @param  string  Date to be checked.
* @return boolean
*/
function is_valid_date($date)
{
    // Expects mm/dd/yyyy
    // eg: 08/26/2006
    if (preg_match('#[0-9]{2}\/[0-9]{2}\/[0-9]{4}#', $date))
    {
        $date = explode('/', $date);

        // www.php.net/checkdate
        if (checkdate($date[0], $date[1], $date[2]))
        {
            return true;
        }
    }
    return false;
} 

[afullcup]

thanks SecondV!! I'll try that!