date(1) with -a

[Martin Schulte]

We had some little problem with using the date command with the -a option.

First, I want to know if it is really necessary to specify 3 digits before
and 3 after the dot (sss.fff); can heading zeros be omitted and can one
specify more digits before the dot. If not, why ?

Is there a blank necessary or possible between the optional minus and
sss.fff (the man gives both alternatives), because on our SS 1+ the
program didn't work with the blank.

Any help appreciated, Martin
Martin Schulte
Internet: schulte at thp.uni-koeln.de