How to convert a column from character to numeric in EG4

[deleted_user]

I have a column consisting of 10 digit numbers which is shown as character. I am trying to match with another dataset using this number but this column is numeric. What is the easiest way to create a new column that will be numeric?
Thanks

[Doc_Duke]

use the query and filter task, copy the other variables over for the output, then go create a column using the expression builder. the new variable would have the expression

input(, 10.)

Doc Muhlbaier
Duke

[RichardH_sas]

Just learned this last week: if it's a really simple conversion, you can actually do it from the data grid. With the data grid open, unprotect the data (edit menu in EG 4.2... this might have been the data menu in EG 4.1), right-click on the column header and select Properties. Under type, you can pick Character or Numeric and it will attempt conversion after warning you that you can't go back once the conversion is complete. You do get a preview of what the conversion will look like, which gives you one last chance to back out.

As Doc mentioned, the Query Builder with functions like PUT and INPUT offers a much more robust set of tools for doing data conversion.