Reordering SAS columns for output 1

[pruman]

I'm wondering if someone can tell me an easy way to reorder my variable columns in SAS for output to another software package.

Let's say I have columns "a b c d" as a result of working with my data in sas. However, in order to use it in another program, I need columns ordered "d c a b".

I'm sure there's a simple way to do this, but I haven't been able to find it and I just need to move on...

Thanks!
Pruman

 

[ChrisW75]

You can use Proc SQL to do this...

proc sql;
  create table ordered_out as
  select D
        ,C
        ,A
        ,B
  from disordered_File
  ;
quit;

This is the simplest way to do it.

Chris
Business Analyst, Code Monkey, Data Wrangler.
SAS Guru.

 

[annipink]

Here is a SUGI paper describing different methods you can use to reorder the variables -

http://www8.sas.com/scholars/05/PREVIOUS/2001_200.4/2004_MOR/Proceed/_2002/Posters/PS12.pdf

 

[eguva]

Hi,

You can simply use a retain statement.
If you have say 50 variables and you are concerned with ordering for only first 5 or 10 columns.
If you use PROC SQL, you have to list all.
With retain statement just use those 5 or 10 variables and you are all set. Using this retain statement on already existing variables never effect the values in these variables.

data ordered_out ;
retain d c a b;
set disordered_File;
run;

 

[klaz2002]

Great trick, I guess I learn something new everyday. Make sure to put the RETAIN statement before the SET otherwise its doesn't do the trick.
Klaz

 

[mdieckman]

Sweet...

I went to SAS training last week and this is way better than the answer that I got... which was basically that it couldn't be done in the data step...

 

[ChrisW75]

Did you impress them with your knowledge and tell them how to do it?

Chris
Business Analyst, Code Monkey, Data Wrangler.
SAS Guru.