getting non missing value into new variable

[yashraj89]

I have data in the format where there are variable from eci01nam to eci20nam. Only one value would be present for each observation. 

i want to get that non missing  value into new variable.

[Reeza · Accepted solution]

Use a CAT function to pull the information in.

WANT = CATS(of eci01nam-eci20nam);

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@yashraj89 wrote:

I have data in the format where there are variable from eci01nam to eci20nam. Only one value would be present for each observation. 

i want to get that non missing  value into new variable.

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[yashraj89]

I think it will work but first i have to convert the variable numeric suffix. It throughs the error

ERROR: Missing numeric suffix on a numbered variable list (eci01nam-eci18nam).
ERROR 71-185: The CATS function call does not have enough arguments.

[Astounding]

It's easy as long as those 20 are the only variable names that begin with "eci":

newvar = max (of eci: ) ;

[Reeza]

I think MAX() only works on numeric variables in a data step.

[novinosrin]

@Reeza  Mam , Are you telling me you forgot coalescec?

WANT = coalescec(of eci01nam-eci20nam);

Or did you not have coffee or you must be tired?

[Astounding]

You're right.  I was using a handheld where I couldn't actually see the sample data.  Oh well.

[ballardw]

Instructions here: https://communities.sas.com/t5/SAS-Communities-Library/How-to-create-a-data-step-version-of-your-dat... will show how to turn an existing SAS data set into data step code that can be pasted into a forum code box using the {i} icon or attached as text to show exactly what you have and that we can test code against.