how to identify a time variable (time5. format) is num or char, not using (Proc Content)?

[sandyming]

using Code in a Data step...

[Reeza · Accepted solution]

vtype function

SAS(R) 9.2 Language Reference: Dictionary, Fourth Edition

[Astounding]

OK, now here's a harder question.  How do you do it in a PROC step?  For example, if T is character, it should be printed without a format.  But if T is numeric it should be printed in the TIME5 format.  Hint:  macro language is not needed.  All of the necessary code can be hard-coded within the PROC step.  If nobody gets the answer, I'll post it tonight.

[data_null__]

It this right?

format t-numeric-t time5.;

[Astounding]

Bingo!  Good job.

[data_null__]

The "SAS Variable List"  big medicine.

[Haikuo]

Confused. Never seen this before. Care to elaborate more? Thanks, Haikuo

[data_null__]

It means for all the variables between t and t that are numeric associate format time5.  If there are none when t is character nothing happens.

SAS(R) 9.3 Language Reference: Concepts, Second Edition

data class;
   set sashelp.class;
   *t = time();
   t = '8:01';
   run;
proc print;
   format t-numeric-t time5.;
   run;

[Haikuo]

Thanks for the explanation and specially,  the link. Did not know such things existed.

Haikuo

[data_null__]

Just to make it more complete  we can also format the character name range T, that may or may not exist.  The "SAS Variable List" is one of the most powerfull parts of the SAS language.

format t-numeric-t time5. t-character-t $5.;

[sandyming]

If in a macro:

   %if "vtype(&time)"="C" %then %do....

is this correct?

[data_null__]

No

[sandyming]

why it is not correct? how about : if vtype(&tm)="N"?

[Reeza]

What are you trying to do?

[sandyming]

if the time variable is char, then do something;

if it is num, do something else....