How do you create a new variable with Arrays that does not overwrite when...

[Flexluthorella]

How do you create a temp dataset multiplying all numeric variables (I coded as oldvar{*} since I do not know them all) by 3 from an original dataset into a new dataset without overwriting the original numbers? Like its similar to the following code but I dont want them replaced in the orginal dataset, I want them in a new data set called newvar. See below for incorrect code:

do i = 1 - dim(oldvar);

if oldvar(i) then 999 then call missing (newvar{i});

end;

drop i;

run;

[PeterClemmensen]

Just for my own understanding, if your data looks like this

data have;
input oldvar1-oldvar3 (c1-c3)(:$);
datalines;
1 2 3 a b c
;

You want the resulting data to look like this, correct?

data want;
input oldvar1-oldvar3 newvar1-newvar3 (c1-c3)(:$);
datalines;
1 2 3 3 6 9 a b c
;

[Flexluthorella]

The question is "using dataset Nines, create a new temporary dataset which contains revised variables for all of the numeric variables such that the value of the revised variables is 3 times the original value except when the value is 999- code these as missing. Do this using 2 arrays and do not overwrite the data in the original variables."

[PaigeMiller]

---

@Flexluthorella wrote:

I dont want them replaced in the orginal dataset, I want them in a new data set called newvar.

---

Do you mean you want a new VARIABLE called newvar? Your title says you want a new variable, your text says you want a new data set. Please clarify.

[Flexluthorella]

its a new variable in a new temporary dataset.

[PaigeMiller]

if oldvar(i) then 999 then call missing (newvar{i});

If you clean up the syntax here, it seems that your code will do exactly what you want.

[Flexluthorella]

This is not the correct answer; I keep getting error

[tomrvincent]

I doubt you'll ever get a positive response with a post like that. If you're new to SAS, why are you working with arrays? Keep it simple, explain what you're trying to accomplish and remain moderately humble.

[Flexluthorella]

Here is the original dataset

[Flexluthorella]

here is the code and error i have

[PaigeMiller]

The syntax of

array newvar{*} _temporary_;

is not correct. You have to actually name the variables that will appear in the array newvar;

In the future, please include code and log directly in the message (as text, not as a screen capture) by copying the text and then pasting it into the window that appears when you click on the {i} icon (for the log) or the window that appears when you click on the running man icon (for code). Providing code and log as an attachment is not preferred.

[Kurt_Bremser]

Start by learning the very basics of data step programming.

do i = 1 - 5;

is incorrect, as you define a starting value of -4, and no end value.

Iterative do loops need the keyword "to", like

do i = 1 to 5;

You also define array newvar, but use newvars further down the code. That's the cause for the "undefined array reference" error.

But, finally:

Do NOT post code, logs or data in pictures. NEVER EVER.

Copy/paste code into a window opened with the "little running man", and logs and textual data into a window opened with the {i} button.

Assuming that we have nothing better to do than typing data tediously from a picture is not very polite.

[Flexluthorella]

I am so sorry I am very new at this and I feel as though the output I need does not make sense. I am still not getting the correct output.

It still include the character variables and the newvar do not show up. How do I add the multiplier of three to the numeric variables in the new dataset bythree?

libname learn "XXX";
data by three:
set learn.Nines;
array oldvar(8)  x y z a1 a2 a3 a4 a5;
array newvar(8) x3 y3 z3 a13 a23 a33 a43 a53; 
do i = 1 to 8;
if oldvar{i} = 999 the call missing (newvar{i});
end;
drop i;
run; 

of three to the new variables?

[PaigeMiller]

---

@Flexluthorella wrote:

It still include the character variables and the newvar do not show up. How do I add the multiplier of three to the numeric variables in the new dataset bythree?

libname learn "XXX";
data by three:
set learn.Nines;
array oldvar(8)  x y z a1 a2 a3 a4 a5;
array newvar(8) x3 y3 z3 a13 a23 a33 a43 a53; 
do i = 1 to 8;
if oldvar{i} = 999 the call missing (newvar{i});
end;
drop i;
run; 

of three to the new variables?

---

Explain this. What multiplier of three? Where do you want to multiply by three? Give an example. There is no such thing in your code.

[Flexluthorella]

The values in the variables x y z a1 a2 a3 a4 a5. They are simple numbers ranging from 2-999. Example the 1st value in variable X is 4 therefore X3 in newvar should be 12.