How to find max observation from a variable using data step only...

[umashankersaini]

Hi All,

I want to find the maximum value of observation from a variable using data step only.

we can not use any procedures and END option for data step.

Example :

EmpID      EmpSal     EmpName

E001          5000          A         

E002          7500          B    

E003          2500          C

E004          9800          D         

E005          6100          E

I am looking for the maximum salaried EmpID / EmpName or whatever which should contain maximum value from a variable.

Regards

Uma Shanker

[LinusH]

What's up with the phony restrictions on PROC's? Is this a part of your training?

To solve this in the data step, use RETAIN.

[TarunKumar]

proc sort data =emp;by descending  EmpSal ;run;

data emp_1;

set emp;

cnt +1;

if cnt = 1;

run;

[Astounding · Accepted solution]

No procedures at all, and no END= on the DATA step:

data want;

   set have nobs=_nobs_;

   if EmpSal > max_EmpSal then do;

     max_EmpSal = EmpSal;

     max_EmpID = EmpID;

     max_EmpName = EmpName;

   end;

   retain max_:;

   keep max_:;

   if _n_ = _nobs_;

run;

Why in the world do you have these restrictions?

[umashankersaini]

Hi,

Thanks to all for your quick response, specially to "Astounding".

It's not all about the training and restrictions. It's only to explore the new ways to finalize the required output but yes it is something to learn in a limited bowl of resource and knowledge or may be sometime with restrictions.....

I am highly thankful for all answers...

Regards

Uma Shanker Saini

[Haikuo]

Here is another approach using Hash in data step, and it is one of a few times that Hash is not as twice  verbose as conventional data step.

data _null_;

if 0 then set have;

  declare hash h(dataset:'have', ordered:'d' , multidata:'y');

  h.definekey('EmpSal');

  h.definedata(all:'y');

  h.definedone();

  h.output(dataset:'want(obs=1)');

run;

Haikuo

[umashankersaini]

Hi Hai.Kuo / Ksharp,

I am not much familiar with Hash.

would any one love to provide me good stuff ( online path or pdf ) so that i can learn.

email : umashankersaini@yahoo.com

Regards

Uma Shanker Saini