topic Re: How to convert character ISO datetime in numeric datetime? in SAS Programming

How to convert character ISO datetime in numeric datetime?

DrAbhijeetSafai — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 09:55:41 GMT

I have a character ISO date like 1985-01-26T01:32. It is in character. I want to convert it into a numeric date where I can do mathematical operations. I want to know if there is any way in which I can do it directly.

I know indirect way of using substr function, to get date and time part separate and then applying dhms function do it. But that is an indirect way. I wan to know if there is any direct way.

Thanks in advance! 🙂

- Dr. Abhijeet Safai

Re: How to convert character ISO datetime in numeric datetime?

PaigeMiller — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 10:12:43 GMT

data have;
    y='1985-01-26T01:32';
run;
data want;
    set have;
    dt=input(y,E8601DT.);
    format dt datetime19.;
run;

PS: Never NEVER treat character dates or character datetimes as text, where you have to operate on it via SUBSTR() or other character functions. Convert them to numeric as shown above.

Re: How to convert character ISO datetime in numeric datetime?

DrAbhijeetSafai — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 10:25:17 GMT

That worked! Many thanks! 🙂

- Dr. Abhijeet Safai