topic Re: First.dot variable-- datasets not sorted message despite sorting datasets in SAS Certification

First.dot variable-- datasets not sorted message despite sorting datasets

Uma_Devi — Wed, 17 May 2023 13:26:24 GMT

How do I achieve to get a dataset with first.dot make in the following example.

data cars;
set sashelp.cars;
run;
proc sort data=cars out=carrs;
by make descending type;
run;

data carstype;
set carrs;
by type;
if first.type;
run;

Error in the log:

data carstype;
19621 set carrs;
19622 by type;
19623 if first.type;
19624 run;

ERROR: BY variables are not properly sorted on data set WORK.CARRS.
Make=Acura Model=NSX coupe 2dr manual S Type=Sports Origin=Asia DriveTrain=Rear MSRP=$89,765
Invoice=$79,978 EngineSize=3.2 Cylinders=6 Horsepower=290 MPG_City=17 MPG_Highway=24 Weight=3153
Wheelbase=100 Length=174 FIRST.Type=1 LAST.Type=1 _ERROR_=1 _N_=1
NOTE: The SAS System stopped processing this step because of errors.
NOTE: There were 2 observations read from the data set WORK.CARRS.

Re: First.dot variable-- datasets not sorted message despite sorting datasets

Kurt_Bremser — Wed, 17 May 2023 13:30:27 GMT

You sorted by "make" first, then, within each "make" group, by "type". But you requested a sort order with "type" only in the DATA step.

The BY statements in PROC SORT and the DATA step must contain the same variables in the same order.

Re: First.dot variable-- datasets not sorted message despite sorting datasets

Uma_Devi — Wed, 17 May 2023 13:34:39 GMT

Thanks a bunch. Problem solved

Re: First.dot variable-- datasets not sorted message despite sorting datasets

ballardw — Wed, 17 May 2023 15:12:21 GMT

@Kurt_Bremser wrote:

You sorted by "make" first, then, within each "make" group, by "type". But you requested a sort order with "type" only in the DATA step.

The BY statements in PROC SORT and the DATA step must contain the same variables in the same order.

And don't forget the same DESCENDING options if used.