code: function() { 
  	   // if the field is empty :
  	   if( this.isEmpty() ) {
  	      return this.options.required ? inputEx.stateRequired : inputEx.stateEmpty;
  	   }
  	   return this.validate() ? inputEx.stateValid : inputEx.stateInvalid;
  	}
docs: Returns the current state (given its value)
  @return {String} One of the following states: 'empty', 'required', 'valid' or 'invalid'