using validwhen w/Commons Validator

To start... I would like to validate that one date field is before another date field.

So... from what I've read... validwhen is what I want (although it said it was good for numbers and strings and didn't mention dates).

I read one thread where it talked about adding a snippet to validator-rules.xml and then it had a java class... I'm new to this stuff... so would I have to download the SpringFramework source and build the jar with the new class file?

Also, the thread really didn't explain anything (probably didn't need to for those experienced) but is that all I have to do?

And the package for the class file was springframework and NOT spring modules which made me think... if I download the latest framework code... did they move the validator code into the main Spring codebase now?

OH... almost forgot... it seems the the only resource for validator.xml was taken off the apache website dev_validator.html which was part of the Struts User Guide.


Thanks,
Steve