How to change a coulmn of dates in character format into a momyy7. format?

[kartheekm9]

Hi, 

I'm new to SAS and trying to learn my way around it. I have a data set with a column populated with dates in Character format. 

Ex: 092009 for September 2009, the properties of the column say its a Character variable with $30.

How can I change the whole column of dates into monyy7. format or to any other date format for that matter?

[VDD]

data want(rename=(new_date=date));
length new_date 8.;
set have;
new_date = date;
format new_date monyy.;
run;

[kartheekm9]

Hi VDD, 

Thank you for the prompt reply. The solution you have provided is changing the character format into the required date format but not accurately. 

Ex: 092009 has been converted into NOV2211, and the others have gone way into the future in the same way..

Can you help me with this?

Thank you.

[tsap · Accepted solution]

/*********************/
/**	SAMPLE DATASET	**/
/*********************/
DATA WORK.Have;
FORMAT 		Date_Orig $30.; 
INFORMAT	Date_Orig $30.; 
INPUT  		Date_Orig; 
CARDS;      
092009
102009
112009
122009
;


DATA WORK.Want (RENAME=(date_new=Date_Orig));
	SET WORK.Have;
	FORMAT Date_New MONYY7.;
	Date_New=INPUT(Date_Orig,ANYDTDTE7.);
	DROP Date_Orig;
RUN;

If you want to change to a different date format instead of 'MONYY7.', just put whatever date format you prefer in place of 'MONYY7.'.

Hope this helps.

[kartheekm9]

Thank you Tsap. It works!!

[tsap]

You're welcome.