Identify format(C or N) of a variable in a dataset WITHOUT opening dataset.

ArpitSharma — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 19:34:26 GMT

Hello,

Is there a way to find out the format of the variable WITHOUT opening the dataset?

For example:

I want to know whether the Age variable is character or numeric in sashelp.class.

Please note that I want to know this WITHOUT opening the dataset.

Also, I DON'T want to use PROC Contents.

Thank You for your help.

Re: Identify format(C or N) of a variable in a dataset WITHOUT opening dataset.

Reeza — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 19:42:08 GMT

Why no proc contents?

Sashelp.vcolumn has the metadata for all datasets in your libraries. Query the table for relevant information.