How to create informat from dataset

[DrAbhijeetSafai]

I am able to create format from dataset with following simple step.

data fmt_cntlin;
     set codelist4 (keep= order term rename=(order=start term=label));
     fmtname = "myfmt";
run;

proc format cntlin = fmt_cntlin;
run;

Now, I am trying to create informat with similar method. Is it possible to do so with some minor modifications? Maybe some changes in cntlin option or addition of type = 'i' statement after fmtname statement etc.? 

Thanks in advance! 

- Dr. Abhijeet Safai

[DrAbhijeetSafai]

At the moment, it seems that I was able to solve this by using type = 'j' statement after fmtname statement. I will confirm it soon and will post a confirmed response here. 

Thank you.

- Dr. Abhijeet Safai

[Tom]

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@DrAbhijeetSafai wrote:

At the moment, it seems that I was able to solve this by using type = 'j' statement after fmtname statement. I will confirm it soon and will post a confirmed response here. 

Thank you.

- Dr. Abhijeet Safai

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When in doubt do a test.

Make a format (or informat) of the type you want using normal VALUE or INVALUE statement. Then use CNTLOUT= option to make a dataset of the format.  Then examine the dataset and see what variables are used and what values they have.

[DrAbhijeetSafai]

Not "j" but "I" works for informat. Many thanks @Ksharp !

I am replying to my own post for the purpose of documentation.  What a wonderful feeling it is to find out your own post some months back and finding answer in it next time when you search about it on the google! 🙂

[Ksharp · Accepted solution]

Yes. If you want make a NUMERIC type informat, you need add "type='I'" .

data fmt_cntlin;
     set sashelp.class( keep= name age rename=(name=start age=label));
     fmtname = "myfmt"; type='I';
run;

proc format cntlin = fmt_cntlin;
run;

data _null_;
 set sashelp.class;
 fmt=input(name,myfmt.);
 put name= age= fmt=;
run;

[DrAbhijeetSafai]

@Ksharp , many thanks! 🙂

- Dr. Abhijeet Safai