How should you configure a field for entering a Social Security number?

Using an edit validate rule to validate the Social Security number pattern is the most effective approach for ensuring that the data entered conforms to the established format for Social Security numbers. Social Security numbers (SSNs) have a specific structure consisting of nine digits formatted as three digits, two digits, and four digits (e.g., "123-45-6789").

By implementing an edit validation rule, you can define the exact pattern that the input must adhere to. This allows the system to check that the user input is not only numeric but also adheres to the specific SSN format and length, which is critical for data integrity and compliance with regulations regarding personal information.

In contrast, simply setting minimum and maximum values in a text field does not enforce the format necessary for a Social Security number. Similarly, using a decimal property type would be inappropriate since SSNs should not have decimal points or be treated as numeric values. Restricting the field to numeric inputs alone does not guarantee that the input is structured correctly; it would still allow invalid entries that do not fit the SSN format. Hence, utilizing an edit validate rule is the most comprehensive and accurate method for this scenario.