Date:         Mon, 29 Sep 2008 17:43:26 -0400
Reply-To:     Gary Stevens <garystevens@FLHSA.ORG>
Sender:       "SPSSX(r) Discussion" <SPSSX-L@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU>
From:         Gary Stevens <garystevens@FLHSA.ORG>
Subject:      widcards

How do I denote a wildcard in a five character wide field?

As an example, if * were a wildcard and I wrote 250** I  would expect to
select all data with 250 in the first three positions and anything else in
the next two positions.
Here's what I really want to do.  I have 15 variables, xx1 to xx15, side by
side.  I want to find if 254** or 2344* or 3366* is found in any of variable
columns 1-15.

A record line might have more than one scattered along the 15 columns or
just one found in V15.  I just want to know if it occurs in that record.

I will crosstab the findings.

Here's my attempt:
The syntax below only finds the exact data i.e. '254' and not '254**'

 vector v1=xx1 to xx15.
   loop #i=1 to 15.
      do if (any(v1(#i),'2344 ','254  ','3366 ')).
         compute positive=1.
         break.
      end if.
   end loop.

Many thanks,
Gary

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