Rearrranging variables in a data set while preserving the audit trail

[Sasuser52]

Dear SAS-Community,

is there a way to rearrange the variables in a data set and preserve the audit trail?

data test;

    retain var1 var2;

    set test;

run;

==> audit trail is lost

data test;

    retain var1 var2;

    modify test;

run;

==> audit trail is preserved, but variables are not rearranged

Thank you!

[Quentin]

Hmm, interesting question.  I wouldn't think so, since changing variable order requires re-writing the dataset (i.e. re-creating it).  And I think when you create a dataset, it gets a fresh audit trail.  Don't know if there is any way to copy an audit trail and somehow apply it to a different dataset.

For just re-ordering, you might be better off just creating a view that people could use, with desired variable order.

[Sasuser52]

Thank you for your answer 🙂 . I know that the problem can be solved to some extent by using a view (sorry that I did not mention them). But, I hope there is a way to rearrange variables in the data set without losing the audit trail. It would be ok, to temporarily suspend the audit trail for the rearrangement.