What is the purpose of the 'Input Mask' property in data entry forms?

The 'Input Mask' property in data entry forms serves the function of formatting data entry according to specific requirements. This feature ensures that users enter data in a consistent and expected format, which is particularly important for fields like phone numbers, social security numbers, or dates. By using an input mask, the form can guide users in how to enter their information correctly, automatically inserting characters such as parentheses or dashes where needed, thus reducing input errors and enhancing data integrity.

This approach not only streamlines the data entry process but also improves the overall quality of the data collected, allowing for better data management later on. By enforcing a specific format, the input mask also helps in making data easier to read and understand, which is crucial when data will be accessed or analyzed later on in the application.