topic Re: Merging two large datasets with SAME variable names in SAS Programming

Merging two large datasets with SAME variable names

2Whitty — Thu, 23 Jun 2016 22:45:49 GMT

Hello,

I am merging two rather large datasets each of which contain 4,000 variables and they both have the same variable names.

Given the large number of variables, I am wondering if there a SAS procedure that would allow me to rename all of the variables in a single dataset at once? Perhaps by adding a simple suffix or prefix?

I Googled around and found some PROC SQL options however, I am simply not familiar with SQL so the code was not very clear.

I am using SAS version 9.

Any help or references would be appreciated.

Thank you.

Re: Merging two large datasets with SAME variable names

Reeza — Thu, 23 Jun 2016 22:49:26 GMT

If they have the same variable names are you sure you want a merge and not an append?

Although it doesn't matter for this question you a SAS version is along the lines of 9.3 or 9.4 not just 9.

Re: Merging two large datasets with SAME variable names

2Whitty — Thu, 23 Jun 2016 23:01:30 GMT

OH!!! Yes... well I think I want to Append.
One dataset includes the children and the other include the mothers they
are to be merged(?) using a family ID.
Both groups completed the same questionnaire (hence the same variable
names) however now I am tasked with bringing them both together.
Appending sounds like a reasonable direction. I will Google that
procedure, right now!

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Re: Merging two large datasets with SAME variable names

Kurt_Bremser — Fri, 24 Jun 2016 05:33:44 GMT

Well, that's quite simple, then.

data family;
set
  mothers
  children
;
run;

proc sort data=family;
by family_id;
run;

Re: Merging two large datasets with SAME variable names

RW9 — Fri, 24 Jun 2016 08:25:07 GMT

4000 variables in multiple datasets, that really does not sound like an efficient or easy way to be working. Personally I wouldn't work with any dataset having more than 30 odd variables, its just unworkable. Consider a restructure.

Re: Merging two large datasets with SAME variable names

Ronein — Sat, 29 Sep 2018 08:41:25 GMT

What does it mean restructure?

Re: Merging two large datasets with SAME variable names

Kurt_Bremser — Sat, 29 Sep 2018 09:20:21 GMT

@Ronein wrote:

What does it mean restructure?

Transpose.