Converting a sas dataset to a description file (like sql)

[W1ndwaker]

Hello all,

i'm trying to figure out if it's possible to convert a dataset file, for example, like this:

Example.sas7bdat

col1      |  col 2

a           |      b

a1          |     b1

into a description file, like you do with oracle, that would look like a datastep proces;

data example;

attrib col1 format=$4.;

attrib col2 format $4.;

col1=a;

col2=b;

output;

col1=a1;

col2=b1;

output;

run;

is it possible to create this kind of description file form a dataset with a procedure?

thanks!

[Amir · Accepted solution]

Hi,

There is a blog post on this topic which might help:

The DATA to DATA Step Macro 

Thanks & kind regards,

Amir.

[W1ndwaker]

Hi!!

have to say this is very much what i wanted, thanks for the enlightnement!

[LinusH]

Closer to your Oracle anology, there is PROC SQL DESCRIBE TABLE statment, which will give you CREATE TABLE/INDEX in the SAS log.

SAS Help Center: Syntax: PROC SQL DESCRIBE Statement

[W1ndwaker]

i will combine the precedure below with the describe to create the table and then if it has indexes it will be recreated too automatically.