Getting error while using COMPBL SAS Function

[riteshkumarrai]

Hi,

While running this program , i am getting an error can any body help me out.

I am working on SAS9.1 version.

Code -:

Data char;
Input Name $ 1-50 ;
Cards;
Sandy David
Annie Watson
Hello ladies and gentlemen
Hi, I am good
;
char= compbl(Name);
Run;

Error :

char1 = compbl(Name);
-----
180

ERROR 180-322: Statement is not valid or it is used out of proper order.

Can anybody help me out.

Thanks!

[collinelliot]

Your char = ... should come before the cards statement, not after.

[Astounding]

It isn't the COMPBL function ... it's where you are trying to use it.

Any data manipulation statements should go between the INPUT statement and the CARDS statement.  You just put it in the wrong place.

[riteshkumarrai]

Why it doesn't work when we use after cards??

[RW9 · Accepted solution]

Reading the manual is always informative:

https://v8doc.sas.com/sashtml/lgref/z0188182.htm

[Astounding]

SAS executes one DATA or PROC step at a time.  To do this, it needs to determine when one step ends and the next one begins.  Most of the time, a RUN; statement tells SAS that the current step is complete.  However, a CARDS; statement also has that purpose within a DATA step.  It tells SAS that it already has all the statements that are part of the DATA step, and that the data to read in will follow.