substr command

[steppermotor]

Hello I am just trying to figure out a simple substr command:

data a;

input A B @@;

datalines;

123 ABCD

;

run;

data a; set a ;

if substr(B,1,1) = "A" then type ="S";

else type='K';

T = substr(B,1,2);

run;

Not sure why this code is not working, it just always defaults to K. Any ideas?

[Patrick · Accepted solution]

Run the first data step only and then check what you've actually got in table 'a'.

Also: Always read the SAS log as it gives you valuable information, eg:

NOTE: Invalid data for B in line 18 5-8.

[steppermotor]

Thanks Patrick, I'm still a novice to SAS, I'll take your advice in running parts of the code each time.  Made the correction and it worked fine:

data a;

input A B $ @@;

datalines;

123 ABCD

;

run;

data a; set a ;

if substr(B,1,1) = "A" then type ="S";

else type='K';

T = substr(B,1,2);

run;