# before operator

The before relational operator represents
a *less than* condition used in constructing selection clauses.
The < and lt operators perform
the same function as before.

**Synonyms:** lt, <

## Syntax

```
with {not} attr.name before "valuestring"
```

## Example(s)

```
list employees with birthday before "1/1/72"
```

```
list journal with amount.owed and with last.payment < "1/1/05"
```

```
list journal with no amount.owed lt "900"
```

## See also

- [lt operator](https://d3codex.com/access/lt-operator/)
- [Relational operators and logical clauses](https://d3codex.com/access/relational-operators-and-logical-clauses/)

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Source: https://d3codex.com/access/before-operator/ - part of the D3Codex reference.