topic Re: Underscore in variable names in Distance Matrix in SAS Procedures

Underscore in variable names in Distance Matrix

deega — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 06:51:57 GMT

I am trying to create a distance matrix with the following piece of code

proc distance data=sample shape=SQR out=Dist method=Euclid ;
var interval(a2--a6 / std=Std);
id a1;
run;

Although I am getting the output but all the variable names its taking from a1 have an underscore before it, for example a1 has values 1,2 ,3 ,4 ,5 ....and so, and in the distance matrix the variable names become _1, _2, _3, _4, _5... and so on.

Could anybody please tell me the reason and guide me the way to remove the same.

Thanks in advance !

Re: Underscore in variable names in Distance Matrix

Kurt_Bremser — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 07:02:03 GMT

A SAS name cannot begin with a numerical digit (0 .. 9).

Therefore, when SAS has to automatically create variable names from numerical values, it prefixes the underline.

If you want this to be different, make a1 of type char, containing valid names.

You also might want to consider using the prefix= option in the proc distance statement.

Re: Underscore in variable names in Distance Matrix

Reeza — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 07:05:04 GMT

SAS variable names can't start with a number so to get around that fact it adds an underscore.

I think you'd have to change your variable to start with a character to correct this 😕

Re: Underscore in variable names in Distance Matrix

Ksharp — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 07:09:24 GMT

That is what suppose to be . variable name start with a digit is illegal .
If you want this , you could try  options:

options validvarname=any;
proc distance .........