Cast function

[Pooja98]

Hi experts,

I'm new to sql, I came across a sql code but I feel very difficult what it does?

Proc sql;
Cast(sum(week_ending)) as current_4weeks;
Quit;

And I'm not sure about the code. My question is what does the Cast function do?
Any alternative function can I use for it? Bcoz in my SAS studio, I'm not able to run Cast function.


TIA

[ballardw]

Cast would typically be used to convert data types, which would require specifying the output type in general.

However with the SAS Proc SQL it will throw an error.

8    proc sql;
9      select cast(sum(weight)) as totalweight
10     from sashelp.class;
ERROR: Function CAST could not be located.
11   quit;

Proc FEDSQL which is intended for use with non-SAS traditional data sets supports the CAST function

[Pooja98]

In other words, can I use put/input function to change the data type in proc sql.

[Reeza · Accepted solution]

You can use PUT/INPUT within PROC SQL or a DATA STEP.

[Pooja98]

Thanks a lot

[Reeza]

FYI - I'd probably mark @ballardw answer as correct, mine is helpful, but his actually answers your initial question.

[Pooja98]

Then what is the difference between cast and put/input function??

[Reeza]

SQL is not a single language, Oracles implementation of SQL is different than Microsoft, which is different than DB2.
They can have different functions.
CAST is a valid conversion function in other SQL implementations, but not in SAS PROC SQL.
CAST is a valid function in SAS PROC FEDSQL.

The equivalent functions for CAST in SAS is PUT()/INPUT().