topic Formats in SAS Procedures

Formats

robertrao — Thu, 29 Aug 2013 16:53:39 GMT

Hi,

I have a column (code)which has a length 255

format $255

informat$255

I change its length to 7

When i run a PROC REPORT WITH OUTPUT STATEMENT

I get the following error???

ERROR: The width of Code is not between 1 and 213. Adjust the column width or line size.

NOTE: This affects LISTING output.

Could you help me figure out how to proceed

Thanks

Re: Formats

OS2Rules — Thu, 29 Aug 2013 17:39:46 GMT

Turn off the LISTING and the error goes away.

ODS LISTING CLOSE.

Re: Formats

ballardw — Thu, 29 Aug 2013 17:39:53 GMT

I suspect that you didn't actually manage to change the length as you think and your current LINESIZE system option isn't large enough to accomodate the variable Code.

You may be able to get the output using

options linesize=max;

OR in the proc use Format Code $7.; That should display the first 7 characters of the variable.

Run proc contents on the dataset containing the variable to verify the actual length.

Re: Formats

Tom — Thu, 29 Aug 2013 23:46:47 GMT

You didn't change the FORMAT. Try this example to see the same error message.

proc report data=sashelp.class nofs;

format name $255.;

run;

SAS has a nasty habit of attaching $xxx. formats to characters variables especially when using PROC IMPORT or SAS/Access. You can remove them with a format statement that lists variables but does NOT specify any format.

format _character_ ;