mdy function inside proc sql

[kranikai_2]

Why does

my_date = mdy ('08', '06', '2010');

work perfectly well inside data steps, but inside proc sql, it generates an error message:

ERROR: Function MDY requires a numeric expression as argument 1.
ERROR: Function MDY requires a numeric expression as argument 2.
ERROR: Function MDY requires a numeric expression as argument 3.

[Patrick]

MDY requires numeric values as input. Your statement should therefore look like:
my_date = mdy (08, 06, 2010);

The data step seems to be more tolerant but even there you get the following note with you code:

NOTE: Character values have been converted to numeric values

HTH
Patrick

[kranikai_2]

> The data step seems to be more tolerant

That's just what I'm wondering. For me, it seems somewhat illogical that rules concerning data types may vary depending on context.

Well, this causes no real practical problems for me, I'm just curious and would like to know why the language has been designed in that way. Plus, I have to remember what is allowed where.

[sbb]

Suggest you contact SAS tech support with your concern - unless you are merely broadcasting into this digital fjord, not necessarily looking for a response from an audience, comprised mostly of SAS users, not SAS software developers.

Scott Barry
SBBWorks, Inc.