importing many variables from a data set

[Shuail_Ibrahim]

I have to import a few columns from a data set from 1 to 4. in future I might have from 1 to n. Currently, the issue I'm facing is if i give as  (diag_1 $ diag_2 $ diag_3 $ diag_4 $ ) its able to pick the string value , but if i give as (diag_1 $ - diag_4 $;) only in 1 and 4th we are getting the string , , 

Please can anyone help me on this, since I'm new to SAS.

data file1;
infile '/folders/input/step1/file5.csv' dlm=',' firstobs=2;
input recipno diag_1 $ - diag_4 $;
run;  

[Kurt_Bremser · Accepted solution]

This is the proper use of a variable list in the INPUT statement:

input recipno (diag_1-diag_4) ($);

It is a variation of what is described in INPUT Statement: Formatted

[ChrisNZ]

A text file is not a data set.

A data set is a SAS table. At least when talking to SAS users like you are here. Use the proper terminology to get the best help. 🙂

You want to import from a text file into a SAS data set.

[Shuail_Ibrahim]

@ChrisNZ, I'm extremely sorry for that, since I'm new to SAS that's why these sets of questions get arrived. if I get experienced I can match your terminology ... which will make you easier to answer.

[ChrisNZ]

No worries. That's exactly why I highlight the terminology issue 🙂