number to character

[Steelers_In_DC]

I am flagging data, the first item is a number, the rest are flagged characters.  Because of the this the number is setting my new variable as number and ignoring the rest of my new characters.  Other than changing the number variables to character prior to this step is there anything I can do?

The code is attached,

Thanks for any help, and apologies for any stupidity in the way this rushed question was asked.

Lets Go Bucs

[data_null__ · Accepted solution]

You should define an_flag as character and then use put function as follows.

data flag_an;
   set merge_an;
   FLAG = year(CLM_SRVC_FROM_DT);
   length an_flag $12;
   if .< flag < 2012 then an_flag = put(flag,4.);
   if flag = 2012 then an_flag = "Flag 2012";
   if flag > 2012 then an_flag = "Flag > 2012";
   drop CLM_SRVC_FROM_DT MHS_FIN_CO_CD MHS_LOB_CD SNPSHT_EFF_YR_MO flag;
   run;

[Steelers_In_DC]

I know this was simple but I couldn't be happier.  I would not be where I am in my career without this forum.

Thank You,