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

[mikiduta]

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:)

[art297 · Accepted solution]

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

HTH,

Art, CEO, AnalystFinder.com

[mikiduta]

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

[Shmuel]

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;

[mikiduta]

Thank you so much! Best regards!