topic Re: Rename Statement: Variable vs Label? in SAS Programming

Rename Statement: Variable vs Label?

jcis7 — Thu, 02 May 2013 23:24:23 GMT

I used the following code to rename a variable. Why original name come up under 'Label' when using Proc Contents (i.e., variable name becomes uncon and Label is allreq.

What is a label used for?

data rename;

set orig;

rename allreq=uncon;

run;

Thanks!

Re: Rename Statement: Variable vs Label?

Reeza — Fri, 03 May 2013 00:11:23 GMT

because the label isn't the variable name automatically. You need to change it as well.

Variable names and labels aren't tied to the same thing, which is nice in some circumstances and annoying in others.

data rename;

set orig;

label allreq='uncon';

rename allreq=uncon;

run;

Re: Rename Statement: Variable vs Label?

RichardinOz — Fri, 03 May 2013 11:35:22 GMT

If you do not explicitly set the variable label, then the variable name is used. So in that case whern the variable is renamed, the label should change. However, when you explicitly set the label for the variable (using a label statement) it is unchanged by a rename.

Richard

Re: Rename Statement: Variable vs Label?

jcis7 — Fri, 03 May 2013 15:45:18 GMT

Thanks everyone! Suggestions on resources to learn more about utility of labels?

Re: Rename Statement: Variable vs Label?

Reeza — Fri, 03 May 2013 15:48:18 GMT

3 things to know:

1. attrib _all_ label=''; removes all labels

2. vlabel will get the name of the label

3. label var="my_label" sets a label

They're not very complex. I wish there was a way to set labels more easily, but that's about it.

You can always search google : variable label site:lexjansen.com to see what else there is.

Good luck.

Re: Rename Statement: Variable vs Label?

jcis7 — Fri, 03 May 2013 15:50:34 GMT

Thanks so very much!!