> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://doc.verteego.com/verteego-doc/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://doc.verteego.com/verteego-doc/pipelines/forecasting-pipelines/configuration/identifying-and-preparing-data/date_col.md).

# date\_col

### Description

Identifies the column containing date information. This column is crucial for sorting the dataset in chronological order to ensure consistent time-based splitting and for applying various temporal controls during data analysis. Proper identification and handling of the date column are vital for maintaining the integrity of time-series data.

### Steps impacted

<mark style="background-color:orange;">preprocessing</mark>

<mark style="background-color:green;">prediction</mark>

### Example

```yaml
# Define columns' type. Can be forced.
cols_type:
  item_id: np.float32
  pos_id: str
  qty: np.float32
  receipt_date: str

date_col: receipt_date
```


---

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