date fomats

[myboys2]

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

[Reeza]

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]

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.

[RW9]

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.