Using array and do loop to create multiple new variables conditionally

[monsterpie]

Hello all,

I am trying to add two new variables to a dataset based on one condition. I believe I need to use an array and a do loop (?). Below is the code I have tried thus far but the resulting dataset does not output a 1 for both of my new variables when it should. I am new to SAS so any help is very much appreciated.

data want;
set have;
	array new(*) patient;
		gender=0;
		job=0;
	do i=1 to dim(new);
	if patient="JOHNDOE" then gender=1 and job=1;
run;

[ballardw · Accepted solution]

The way SAS works for most data step operations you create the variable. Period. Conditionally you assign values to the variable.

So, which variables are the "new" variables?

The code you posted will not run but generate an a "unclosed DO" because there is no "End; " statement to close the "do i=1 to dim(new);"

Also, to assign values to multiple variables generally you need, if that is what this is supposed to do:

	if patient="JOHNDOE" then gender=1 and job=1;

should be:

if patient ="JOHNDOE" then do;
    gender = 1;
   job = 1;
end;

Did you read the log when submitting that code?

Something like "gender=1 and job=1" will attempt to return the value of the comparison: is gender=1 and job=1.