topic Re: Character values have been converted to numeric values in SAS Programming

Character values have been converted to numeric values

sarymay — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 21:40:41 GMT

I am having some trouble with SAS formats that I cannot figure out. I have two variables-- ptid2 and dob2. When I run a proc contents I am told that these variables have the following properties:

ptid2: type=char len=11 format=$11. informat=$11.

dob2: type=num len=8 format=date9. informat=date9

then I create a new data set from this data set that changes these variables in some cases. The code is as follows:

if ptid='00302333XX1' and inc_date2 lt 201005

then do;

ptid2='00305560440' and dob2=mdy(3,30,2010);

end;

else if ptid='00302333XX1' and inc_date2 ge 201005

then do;

ptid2='00305560555' and dob2=mdy(5,23,2011);

when I run this code I am told that char values are being converted to numeric values at column 19 (where I am setting ptid='XXXXXXXXXXX' and numeric values are being converted to char values at column 33 (where I am setting dob2=mdy(mm,dd,yyyy).

Any thoughts on why this may be happening??

Thank you for your help!

Re: Character values have been converted to numeric values

Reeza — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 21:51:00 GMT

inc_date2 lt 201005

Check that line.

What format/type is inc_date2 and 201005 isn't a valid date to compare to, so what are you trying to check.

I'm assuming you haven't calculated the sas numeric date of something here...

Re: Character values have been converted to numeric values

Astounding — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 23:32:44 GMT

Your outcomes must be listed as separate statements.

if ... then do;

ptid2='00305560440';

dob2=mdy(3,30,2010);

end;

You may have problems with the comparison as well, as Reeza indicated. It would help if you would post the similar PROC CONTENTS results for inc_date2.

Good luck.