Computer English: start date cannot be greater than end date

[Theghostwhowalks]

Hello all,

I am new to this forum, really seems to be a great place to learn. I have a small query: In one of the software we are using, the message says :
"to_date cannot be greater than current date" and
"start date cannot be greater than end date" and such.

It seems this usage is normal in IT/software.

Is it correct to use "greater" when comparing dates? somehow i felt something was wrong there. Shouldn't it be:

"to_date cannot be later than current date"
"start date cannot be later than end date" ?

Thanks a lot!
g

[Inga]

I think they compare numbers (figures), not the time of the beginning or end
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I am an incurable optimist.

[Theghostwhowalks]

[Inga]

I asked a native speaker, a programmer. Here are his words:
Yes, "later" is more appropriate when speaking about dates.
So, this:

"todate" should be later than "currentdate"

is better than this:

"todate" cannot be greater than "currentdate"

:)
_________________
I am an incurable optimist.

[Inga]

And pay attention: he changed the modal verb, it is also preferable, to avoid negativity.
_________________
I am an incurable optimist.

[Theghostwhowalks]