data steps criterion problem

[jpeevy]

I have a quick question:

I am trying to create a new variable in a data set. However, I am struggling with my criteria. I want SAS to check variable A and if it has any data, it will create a new variable called B with the entry 'okay'

I used this logic :

if a ^= ' ' then b= 'okay';

The data I working with is character, so I figured that this should work, but it is not picking up every entry. Is there any other way to have a criterion fire if your variable HAS data?

Thanks a lot!

jp

[Reeza]

Check the missing and cmiss functions.