How to convert character ISO datetime in numeric datetime?

[DrAbhijeetSafai]

I have a character ISO date like 1985-01-26T01:32. It is in character. I want to convert it into a numeric date where I can do mathematical operations. I want to know if there is any way in which I can do it directly.

I know indirect way of using substr function, to get date and time part separate and then applying dhms function do it. But that is an indirect way. I wan to know if there is any direct way.

Thanks in advance! 🙂

- Dr. Abhijeet Safai

[PaigeMiller · Accepted solution]

data have;
    y='1985-01-26T01:32';
run;
data want;
    set have;
    dt=input(y,E8601DT.);
    format dt datetime19.;
run;

PS: Never NEVER treat character dates or character datetimes as text, where you have to operate on it via SUBSTR() or other character functions. Convert them to numeric as shown above.

[DrAbhijeetSafai]

That worked! Many thanks! 🙂

- Dr. Abhijeet Safai