BookmarkSubscribeRSS Feed
deleted_user
Not applicable
How can I handle the missing values in a field (VSTMD) thats a varchar datatype (sql table raw data) and that has to be written into a numeric SAS date field? Since it has "null" value, SAS considers as both character and numeric variable. How can this be resolved?
1 REPLY 1
sbb
Lapis Lazuli | Level 10 sbb
Lapis Lazuli | Level 10
A SAS variable is either CHARACTER or NUMERIC, in type. Normally the SAS CHARACTER type variable is either blank or non-blank, and a SAS NUMERIC type variable is either considered to have a MISSING value or a non-MISSING value.

Since SAS DATE / DATETIME variables are NUMERIC type, you can set a missing value, such as MYDATE=. or if you attempt to use the INPUT function to convert a string to a date and the input-data is invalid, SAS will set the automatic variable _ERROR_=1 which is an indication of a problem - in addition to SAS setting the variable to a missing value, as well.

There is a MISSING function you may find the opportunity to use - check the SAS DOC.

Also, suggest reviewing the DOC on SAS variables.

Scott Barry
SBBWorks, Inc.

Suggested Google advanced search argument, this topic / post:

sas variable missing value site:sas.com

hackathon24-white-horiz.png

2025 SAS Hackathon: There is still time!

Good news: We've extended SAS Hackathon registration until Sept. 12, so you still have time to be part of our biggest event yet – our five-year anniversary!

Register Now

How to Concatenate Values

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.

SAS Training: Just a Click Away

 Ready to level-up your skills? Choose your own adventure.

Browse our catalog!

Discussion stats
  • 1 reply
  • 1215 views
  • 0 likes
  • 2 in conversation