Refer To Column One Variable Without Knowing Variable Name

[NKormanik]

I would like to sort a dataset, by the first column.

proc sort data=have;
by Col#1;
run;

Suppose I don't have the actual name of the Col#1 variable.

(Actually, I do, of course, but it varies among datasets.  And I'm seeking a generic approach.)

Can this be done?

Thanks!

Nicholas Kormanik

[Reeza]

Not via PROC SORT but PROC SQL allows it. 

[stat_sas]

Hi,

A couple of steps before proc sort may produce the desired output.

proc contents data=sashelp.cars order=varnum out=vars(keep=name varnum) ;
run;

proc sql;
select name into :sort_var from vars
where varnum=1;
quit;

proc sort data=cars;
by &sort_var;
run;

[PGStats · Accepted solution]

Use SQL, as @Reeza suggested, or sort by everything (it will sort on the first variable first)

proc sql; 
create table cars as select * from sashelp.cars 
order by 1; 
quit;

/* Or */

proc sort data=sashelp.cars out=cars; by _all_; run;

[NKormanik]

Thank you all for your help.

Since these datasets only contain two columns, it is easiest to sort by everything.  Straightforward and easy.  Wonderful.  Glad it can be done this way.