how to import a tab delimited file with inconsistent tab space?

[awais]

Hi SAS community;

I am running into an issue wherein I am unable to import a tab delimited file with inconsistent spacing. I am using the following codes to import the file but getting weird output. I have attached the file for your reference as well.

proc import datafile = '/folders/myfolders/MyRawData/base-guide-practice-data/cert/class.txt'
 dbms=tab
 out=pg1.class
 replace;
 delimiter = '09'x;
 getnames=yes;
 
run;

[andreas_lds]

Looking at the file you provided I can't see any inconsistency, but Notepad++ does not show any tabs, but spaces.

So switching to a data-step will be the easiest way to solve importing problems:

 data pg1.class;
   length 
      Name $ 10
      Gender $ 1
      Age 8
   ;
   infile '/folders/myfolders/MyRawData/base-guide-practice-data/cert/class.txt' firstobs=2;
   input @1 Name @10 Gender @19 Age;
run;

[awais]

Good solution but I wanted to use proc import. truly appreciate you taking the time to reply.

[awais]

Good solution but I wanted to use proc import. Truly appreciate you taking the time to reply.

[PGStats]

For some reason, your file contains no tabs but spaces. Replace the spaces between fields with single tabs and your code will read the file just fine.

[awais]

changed the codes as following but still not reading it properly.

PROC IMPORT DATAFILE = '/folders/myfolders/MyRawData/base-guide-practice-data/cert/class.txt'
 OUT=CLASSEPORT
 DBMS = dlm
 REPLACE;
 GETNAMES=YES;
 DELIMITER = ' ';
RUN;

[PGStats]

My suggestion was about changing the data, not the code.

[awais]

what if the data size is big and changing the source isn't possible?  I am more interested in knowing the solution of this particular challenge 🙂 otherwise, reading data by using input statement can do the magic as well.

[PGStats]

Then reading the data along the lines suggested by @andreas_lds is the way to go. Proc import is meant to simplify your life when you meet more complicated situations.

[Ksharp]

If it is not tab delimited file ,using blank as delimiter .

proc import datafile = '/folders/myfolders/MyRawData/base-guide-practice-data/cert/class.txt'
 dbms=dlm
 out=pg1.class
 replace;
 delimiter = ' '  ;
 getnames=yes;
 
run;