How to read a single '.' (Period) into a CHAR column from a File

[deleted_user]

Hi,
Can someone suggest how can i read a single '.' (Period) for a CHAR column from a File. When I read a file and there is a single '.' for a column with data type CHAR SAS converts the '.' value to a SPACE. I don't want to read . as space. I want to know when there was a space in the input file and when i get . then i want to retain it as some valid data.

When the input file has two back to back periods ('..') then I am able to read them just fine. The above mentioned problem arises when I try to read a single period into a char data type column.

[data_null__]

The $w. informat is almost identical to the $CHARw. informat. However, $CHARw. does not trim leading blanks nor does it convert a single period in an input field to a blank, while $w. does both.

[deleted_user]

Hi data _null_ (dont know your name so will use your community name :))

It works fine now. Thanks for your help.

[Ksharp]

Hi. I agree with data null;
Try to use $CHARw. informat.