selecting variables

[DivyaGadde]

Hello,

I have dataset A(around 180 variables) with a list of variables that needs to be flagged in another data set B(a huge dataset with millions of records).

Dataset A       data set B

A                                A                 B                      C                                 D

C                               10                20                   30                                40

D

I needed something like :

dataset needed: dataset c

A            C          D

10          30          40

Thank you for all your help and guidance!

[Kurt_Bremser]

Use a KEEP statement or a KEEP= dataset option.

[PaigeMiller · Accepted solution]

proc sql noprint;
    select distinct varname into :varnames separated by ' ' from a;
quit;
data c;
    set b(keep=&varnames);
run;

This assumes (because you didn't tell us) that the variable name in Data Set A is VARNAME.

[novinosrin]

HI @DivyaGadde  This is a good question to learn and apply the SET Operators with CORR(corresponding variables) append aka UNION. Of course, you need a slight data processing to get the needed variables in horizontal. Also, for assigning datatypes, you may have to use PROC DATASETS for accurate results.

Example using your sample-

data a;
input vars $;
cards;
A
C
D
;

data b;
input a b c d;
cards;
10 20 30 40
;

proc transpose data=a out=need_vars(drop=_name_);
id vars;
run;

proc sql;
 create table want as
 select *
 from need_vars
  union all corr
 select * from b;
quit;