data want;
set have(rename=(startdate=old_startdate));
startdate=input(old_startdate,yymmdd10.);
format startdate date9.;
run;
Your code is trying to convert a character variable to a numeric variable (date values are numeric variables) - that's a no-no. That's why @PaigeMiller renamed the character variable STARTDATE, freeing up the desired name STARTDATE to be generated as a numeric variable.
Use the RENAME statement.
data want;
set have;
startdate1=input(startdate,yymmdd10.);
format startdate1 date9.;
rename startdate=startdate_char startdate1=startdate;
run;
Available on demand!
Missed SAS Innovate Las Vegas? Watch all the action for free! View the keynotes, general sessions and 22 breakouts on demand.
Learn how use the CAT functions in SAS to join values from multiple variables into a single value.
Find more tutorials on the SAS Users YouTube channel.
Select SAS Training centers are offering in-person courses. View upcoming courses for: