topic Re: proc import from excel with variable names with spaces in SAS Enterprise Guide

proc import from excel with variable names with spaces

learner_sas — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 20:03:02 GMT

Hello Everybody,

I am importing huge file ( so many columns) and run below query.

PROC IMPORT OUT=WORK.test DATAFILE="~\data.XLS"

DBMS=XLS REPLACE;

SHEET="Sheet1";

GETNAMES=YES;

RUN;

I found that my column names has spaces in final sas dataset also. For example 'var one' came as 'var one' but I was expecting it will come as var_one. I am wondering if there is a way to make sure that all variables are named as SAS convention as we create tables using file from Excel.

I know I can do it using file>>import data and clicking in rename variables as sas convention in EG but I am looking if it can be done using proc import procedure.

Thank you

Re: proc import from excel with variable names with spaces

Reeza — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 20:13:30 GMT

1. Are you sure that's what's happening? SAS has variable labels and names, the labels may have spaces but the names won't.

2. Look at the validvarname option.

option validvarname=ANY - this allows spaces

OPTION VALIDVARNAME=V7 - will allow the standard SAS naming convention, i.e. using underscores.

Change the option in EG if you require and re-importing will allow the names to be imported as you expect.

SAS(R) 9.3 System Options: Reference, Second Edition

Re: proc import from excel with variable names with spaces

learner_sas — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 20:28:03 GMT

Thank you @reeza. It worked.