Data Truncation
Data Truncation often happens when you create a character variable that is longer than 8 characters.
Example
Data Test;
Input Name $ Gender $;
Datalines;
Christopher Male
Elizabeth Female
MacDonald Male
;
Run;
Each of the names above is longer than 8 characters.
The default length of a character variable is 8. Any variable that contains more than 8 characters will get cut off.
(Try it!)
The data truncation problem can be easily solved by adding a Length statement.
Example
Data Test;
Length Name $12;
Input Name $ Gender $;
Datalines;
Christopher Male
Elizabeth Female
MacDonald Male
;
Run;
The Length statement changes the length of the NAME variable from 8 to 12.
As a result, the complete name is now captured in the data set.
Note:
Length Name $12
1. A dollar sign ($) is added before the number 12. This is needed when adjusting the length of a character variable.
Exercise
Create a data set that contains the following variables:
Name the data set as PROFILE.
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