Solved: Re: initializing variable in retain statement

SAS_inquisitive · Posted 07-22-2016 04:14 PM

When variables in retain statement are need to initialize and when not?

ballardw · Posted 07-22-2016 05:42 PM

If I need to USE the variable before it is assigned from some other calculation it should be initialized. One very minor example of that would be a counter variable that would need to start at 1000 (or some series range indicator) so that the first time I used Counter +1; the result was 1001 instead of 1.

If the only purpose were to save a value that was calculated or created in the current record for use on the next then initialization likely wouldn't be needed though you might need a Length statement for character variables (always a good idea).

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LinusH · Posted 07-22-2016 04:39 PM

That depends on the logic in your data step.

Data never sleeps

SAS_inquisitive · Posted 07-22-2016 04:44 PM

@LinusH .can you give an example?

LinusH · Posted 07-22-2016 04:48 PM

I think your inquiry seems a bit theoretical. It's better if you have an issue that needs to be resolved concerning RETAIN.

Data never sleeps

SAS_inquisitive · Posted 07-22-2016 04:51 PM

Ok. I will try to come up with one.

ballardw · Posted 07-22-2016 05:42 PM

If I need to USE the variable before it is assigned from some other calculation it should be initialized. One very minor example of that would be a counter variable that would need to start at 1000 (or some series range indicator) so that the first time I used Counter +1; the result was 1001 instead of 1.

If the only purpose were to save a value that was calculated or created in the current record for use on the next then initialization likely wouldn't be needed though you might need a Length statement for character variables (always a good idea).

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