topic proc format in permanent library in SAS Programming

proc format in permanent library

Ronein — Mon, 25 Mar 2019 06:17:01 GMT

Hello

I am trying to learn how to create a permanent user define format.

Please find the code below.

When I am trying to use this format I get an error.

" Format SMOKE was not found or could not be loaded."

Libname project  "/path/";
proc format library=project;
value smoke
.='missing'
1='current smoker'
2='former smoker'
3='never smoked'
;
run;
data aa;
input ID smokestatus;
cards;
1 1
2 1
3 2
;
run;
data bb;
set aa;
format smokestatus smoke.;
Run;
proc print data=bb noobs;run;

Re: proc format in permanent library

Kurt_Bremser — Mon, 25 Mar 2019 06:30:30 GMT

When you put formats into another library than WORK, you need to adapt the FMTSEARCH system option accordingly.

Per default, SAS searches for formats in WORK and in a library called LIBRARY, if such exists (predefined formats in SASHELP are always searched, of course).

In your case you have to add

options fmtsearch=(work project);

before the format can be used successfully. Defining a library called LIBRARY and defining your permanent formats there would work without having to change the FMTSEARCH option.