Best way to fill missing text column value with numeric value

[FrancesU]

Hi I need help in how to fill a text missing field value with a value from a numeric field?  I tried using case statement but that is not working.  Below is my case statement.  This is not working.

     case

        when text_field = ' '

        then put (numeric_field,z9.)

        else text_field

    End as new_field

 I was adviced to use the coalesce function and that is not working.  I have tried proc sql and data step not working.  My understanding is that when using coalesce function field types have to be the same.  Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

[Jagadishkatam]

As per the code, it seems fine. Could you please provide the log and sample data for better response.

[Reeza]

That's obviously not your actual code, so perhaps post your actual code and log. 

Ideally, a sample where the issue is replicated is helpful, especially in a case such as yours, where the code appears correct. 

For using COALESCE it would be:

COALESCEC(text_field, put(numeric_field, z9.)) as new_field

My guess is going to be that your 'missing' value isn't missing. Use a hex format to view the field or COMPRESS anything that may look like a blank but actually has a tab or some other value. 

[Astounding]

If I'm not mistaken (?), the word THEN does not belong in a CASE statement.  Just remove it (assuming you have built the rest of the SQL code properly).

[Jagadishkatam]

@Astounding but the word THEN is part of the case when syntax in proc sql. Please correct me

[Astounding]

Just going by memory ... I will have to test it tomorrow.

Looks like memory was faulty here ... THEN is definitely part of a CASE statement.

[RW9]

Please clarify what you are doing.  Follow the guidance under post a question - post test data in the form of a datastep, and what you want the output to look like.  Also (important in this case), post your full code for that block, use the code window {i} above post.

From what you have posted we cannot see if you are using datastep or SQL.  At a guess:

Datastep:

data want;
  set have;
  text_field=ifc(text_field=' ',put(numeric_field,z9.),text_field);
/* or */
  text_field=coalescec(text_field,put(numeric_field,z9.));
run;

SQL:

proc sql;
  create table WANT as
  select COALESCE(TEXT_FIELD,put(NUMERIC_FIELD,z9.)) as NEW_FIELD
  from   HAVE;
quit;