Sorting columns individually

[brophymj]

Can you sort a field in a dataset without affecting the order of other fields. Or can you sort multiple fields of a data set independently from each other?

[Haikuo]

You can't, but you can cheat. But Why?

proc sort data=sashelp.class out=temp(keep=age);

     by age;

run;

data want;

     set sashelp.class;

     set temp;

run;

'class' was sorted by 'name', now the 'age' is also sorted . 

[SASKiwi]

Sorting usually describes changing the order of data rows.

If I understand your questions correctly, they are about changing the order columns/fields within a table - please confirm. If you want to change the order of a field where would you want to place it? First? Last? The 10th field?

An example of what you want would be useful.

[Astounding]

Sorting in SAS usually refers to changing the order of the rows.  The entire row moves as a unit.  However ...

If you are interested in changing the values of some of the fields within a single row, you can do that without affecting other fields within the same row:

data want;

set have;

call sortn (hand1, hand2, flop1, flop2, flop3, river, turn);

run;

Use SORTN if  your variables are numeric, or use SORTC if your variables are character.

[brophymj]

Thank you