topic Re: how to replace an ID variable (convert from numeric into character) in SAS Programming

how to replace an ID variable (convert from numeric into character)

mikiduta — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 20:04:31 GMT

Hello everyone,

I have a file and its first variable is an ID variable that is numeric, when it should be character. If I convert it and rename it, the new variable is placed at the end of the file, which is cumbersome. I tried using "retain" to reorder the file, but somehow the ID variable remains at the end (not sure what I do wrong). Is there an easier way of doing this?

Thanks:)

Re: how to replace an ID variable (convert from numeric into character)

art297 — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 20:13:55 GMT

To reorder the variables the retain statement has to come BEFORE the set statement.

HTH,

Art, CEO, AnalystFinder.com

Re: how to replace an ID variable (convert from numeric into character)

mikiduta — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 20:15:04 GMT

Hi, thank you so much for your answer! Best regards

Re: how to replace an ID variable (convert from numeric into character)

Shmuel — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 20:15:59 GMT

Use next skiltom code:

data want;

format id; /* force ID to be 1st , you can add other variables in desired order*/

set have(rename=(id=_id));

ID = input(_id, best8.); /* adapt to length of ID */

run;

Re: how to replace an ID variable (convert from numeric into character)

mikiduta — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 20:16:50 GMT

Thank you so much! Best regards!