Date:         Thu, 19 Jan 2006 11:37:47 -0800
Reply-To:     David L Cassell <davidlcassell@MSN.COM>
Sender:       "SAS(r) Discussion" <SAS-L@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU>
From:         David L Cassell <davidlcassell@MSN.COM>
Subject:      Re: Ordering variables in data file
In-Reply-To:  <200601182040.k0IKaiBp013556@mailgw.cc.uga.edu>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed

excel_hari@YAHOO.COM wrote:
>2 some-what related doubts:-
>
>a) How do I change the order of variables in SAS. The keep
>option/statement is there for retaining variables but it doesnt change
>the order. (In SPSS keep canges the order as well)

But not in SAS.

If you have a SAS data set already, then definitely use the RETAIN
statement.
Before your SET statement.  This works even if you have missing values.

>b) I can probably handle a) (in roundabout manner) by using proc SQL
>where I write the variables within select staement in the order I want
>it to appear in file. But again, in SAS is there a easy (and
>"sensical") method to output all the variables in data file in to lets
>say Log or output window. (In SPSS one can paste the variables to
>editor using paste syntax from GUI pull-down).

Yes, you can use PROC SQL to do re-ordering of the values as well.

But in general I do not bother.  You can get whatever order you want at
any time in any display proc, courtesy of the VAR statement.

But when you are interested in a list of variables from any SAS data set,
you should look at the meta-data.  Use PROC SQL to access the
dictionary.columns table.  (Or use a data step to look at the
sashelp.vcolumn
view.)  Then you can pull the variables (and information on them) into
another table, output them, etc.

HTH,
David
--
David L. Cassell
mathematical statistician
Design Pathways
3115 NW Norwood Pl.
Corvallis OR 97330

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