title: Split date data (m/d/y) into 3 separate columns
body: <p>I need to convert date (m/d/y format) into 3 separate columns on which I hope to run an algorithm.(I'm trying to convert my dates into Julian Day Numbers). Saw this suggestion for another user for separating data out into multiple columns using Oracle. I'm using R and am throughly stuck about how to code this appropriately. Would A1,A2...represent my new column headings, and what would the format difference be with the "update  set" section?</p>
  
  <pre><code> update &lt;tablename&gt; set A1 = substr(ORIG, 1, 4), 
                         A2 = substr(ORIG, 5, 6), 
                         A3 = substr(ORIG, 11, 6), 
                         A4 = substr(ORIG, 17, 5); 
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>I'm trying hard to improve my skills in R but cannot figure this one...any help is much appreciated. Thanks in advance... :)</p>