Copying numerical data between observations

[ebowen]

I have a dataset sorted by three variables, and I'm trying to copy another variable from the previous observation within each grouping conditional on whether the variable has a value or not. So far, here's the code that I have:

DATA test3;

length V1 8;

Set FuelCost11;

By PlantID PMStd Fuel;

Retain V1;

if first.Fuel then V1 = .;

if HeatRate ^=. then V1 = HeatRate;

HeatRate = V1;

Run;

When I run this code, I get the following error:

"ERROR: Variable V1 has been defined as both character and numeric."

I don't know why this would happen, since I'm defining the variable V1 as a numerical variable in the first statement of the data step. The variable V1 doesn't exist prior to this data step. I've run this same code with a character variable (after defining V1 as $5), and it works perfectly. Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

[Reeza]

What variable type is HeatRate? Your missing a period after the eight in the length statement, not sure if thats an issue as well.

Can you post proc contents results on FuelCost11?

[ebowen · Accepted solution]

It turns out I had defined V1 previously as a character variable. After fixing that, the code works great. Sorry for the mix-up.

[data_null__]

Why would you need a period after 8 in the length statement.

[Reeza]

I realized that and deleted it...but the forums are having issues today...or maybe I am.