Converting numeric to character

[maggi]

Hello,

I want to convert 2 numeric variables (DemAffl & DemAge) from an existing data set to character variables on a new data set. I tried to use the informat statement:

data sasuser.newset; 
set sasuser.organics(obs=20000);
informat ID $10. DemAffl $10. DemAge $8. DemCluster $2. DemClusterGroup $1. DemGender $1. DemReg $10. 
DemTVReg $12. PromClass $8. PromSpend 8.2 PromTime 8. TargetAmt 8. TargetBuy 8.;
run;

But it is not working & the log shows the following:

WARNING: Variable DemAffl has already been defined as numeric.
WARNING: Variable DemAge has already been defined as numeric.

Attaching the proc contents output below for reference,

Thanks.

[LinusH · Accepted solution]

Informat statement does not convert anything. It adds metadata to the variables listed.
Use the PUT function to create character variables (And INPUT function to create numerical ones).