How to compare two character fields to check if they are equal

[AMIN_DA]

Hi All,

I would like to check if 2 addresses are equal. I am using Compare function but for the ones I assume they are equal instead of 0 I get a number.

here is my example:

Add1	Add2
11 JANE ST	11 JANE ST

compare(Add1,Add2) but instread of 0 it SAS EG gives me 5. I checked in Excel and Excel resut is these 2 are equal.

Would you please help out with this issu?

[Reeza]

Please provide a reproducible sample so that we replicate your issue. 

If you can't replicate it, it's an issue with your data. Try looking at the data with a HEX format to see if its different. 

You may have spaces in one and a different invisible character in others. 

Here's an example of how to use the HEX format to see the difference

data class;
set sashelp.class;

put name $hex32.;
run;

[AMIN_DA · Accepted solution]

Thank you Reeza for replying quickly.

I changed the format to $hex32. and I see they are different as below in the 9th postion from left and some other letters as well inside the string.

Add1	Add2
11 JANE ST	11 JANE ST
3131204A616E65205374202020202020	3131204A414E45205354202020202020

I have not with HEX format before and not sure if I've got your advice right and also I dont know how to recognise if it is because of space or not. So could you please let me know how I can remove potential space inside the text if there is any solution?

Regards,

[AMIN_DA]

it was fixed by COMPARE(TRIM(UPCASE(Add1 )), TRIM(UPCASE( Add2)))

thanks again Reeza