change all time variables to character with array

[jenim514]

Hi,

I have a dataset with multiple timepoints in each observation (eg.  lbtim1 lbtim2 lbtim3...).  They are all in time5. numeric format.

How can I change all of these to character format (TOD5.)?

All of the time variables have the same prefix 'lbtim'  with the timepoint.  Here is what I started with:

data prsupp;
set db.lbi;

array timn (*) lbitim:;
array timc (*) lbtimc:;
do i= 1 to dim (timn);
if ~missing (timn(i)) then timc(i)=put(timn(i),tod5.);
end;
run;

I guess it's something with the new character variables I'm trying to create.  Or can I just overwrite the numeric variables to character somehow?

Help is appreciated!

[novinosrin]

array timc (*) lbtimc:;   This is a new assignment, so if i am right, you can't use var lists

rather array timc (count of lbtimb)

[SASKiwi · Accepted solution]

Why do you need to convert your time variables to character? You can assign the TOD5. format to them without converting.