BookmarkSubscribeRSS Feed
myboys2
Fluorite | Level 6

 

hi

 

I have a file that has dob dates coming in with  char formats as 12/31/1977 and 1914-07-15. Same field different formats.  How do i make them in the same format coming in as char in the end? 

 

Thank you

3 REPLIES 3
Reeza
Super User

You shouldn't store as char because you can't do calculations on a char date variables, but try anydtdte as your informat. If you really want it as a char you can convert it. 

LinusH
Tourmaline | Level 20
This would be my steps of priority :
1. Go to your data supplier and require the the files should have a consistent format.
2. Test the input variable with the more common informat of the two. If no success use the other informat.
3. ANYDTDTE.
Data never sleeps
RW9
Diamond | Level 26 RW9
Diamond | Level 26

I am with @LinusH here, the problem lies with your data supplier.  You will of course have a data import agreement setup which defines the structure, content of the data yes?  If not, then whatever you code may need to change next time you get data, I mean wht if the vendor decides to drop that field, or add a field, or change them all to DDMONYYYY?  The control and specification is all in the documentation, programming is more or less irrelevant.

hackathon24-white-horiz.png

The 2025 SAS Hackathon has begun!

It's finally time to hack! Remember to visit the SAS Hacker's Hub regularly for news and updates.

Latest Updates

How to Concatenate Values

Learn how use the CAT functions in SAS to join values from multiple variables into a single value.

Find more tutorials on the SAS Users YouTube channel.

SAS Training: Just a Click Away

 Ready to level-up your skills? Choose your own adventure.

Browse our catalog!

Discussion stats
  • 3 replies
  • 1343 views
  • 2 likes
  • 4 in conversation