topic Re: Creating new character variable based on two existing variables in SAS Enterprise Guide

Creating new character variable based on two existing variables

Sean_OConnor — Wed, 12 Apr 2017 11:55:32 GMT

Folks,

I wonder could I get some help on the following. I have two existing character variables which are both ids. One is a product of method a while the other is a product of method b.

I would like to create a third variable which takes the accurate matches from both. A simple table illustrates my point.

Also where we have a contrasting match this output is placed in a second variable.

ID1	ID2	Final id	Second Id
xxxx	5b	5b	-
6i	xxxx	6i	-
8c	5j	8c	5j
9g	xxxx	9g	-
10b	10b	10b	-

Any help would be great!

Re: Creating new character variable based on two existing variables

Reeza — Wed, 12 Apr 2017 11:58:17 GMT

You have the 'xxx' in your dataset as indicated?

Re: Creating new character variable based on two existing variables

Sean_OConnor — Wed, 12 Apr 2017 11:59:55 GMT

Hi Reeza,

Yes all failed matches have a 'xxxx' inserted.

Re: Creating new character variable based on two existing variables

Reeza — Wed, 12 Apr 2017 12:14:13 GMT

Look at the IFC function.

Or in Query builder, created a new column. You can use a CASE statement in your computed column.

Re: Creating new character variable based on two existing variables

Astounding — Wed, 12 Apr 2017 13:32:43 GMT

It sounds like some simple logic would do.

if ID1=ID2 then Final_id = ID1;

else if ID1='xxxx' then Final_id = ID2;

else if ID2 = 'xxxx' then Final_id = ID1;

else do;

Final_id = ID1;

Second_id = ID2;

end;

Optionally, if you really want to, you could add:

if Second_id = ' ' then Second_id = '-';