sequential number generation

[nirmalraj]

Hi,
Is there a method for generating sequential numbers
000001
000002
000003
.
.
.
.
.

Since I did not know any specific method, I used excel and then saved it in formatted space delimited text and read the file to create a sequential dataset.
I also want to combine this sequential dataset with 1 other dataset and concatenate this value with 2 other variables.
" x1||seq_num||a1"

The issue that I face is it gives me a blank in the seq_num position which is true as it is a different dataset.Does anyone know the solution for this.

I want a result in this form

ab123456cd where ab and cd are from same dataset and 123456 is from sequential dataset.I have to create around 2000 total observations.
aa000001bb
cc000002dd
ee000003ff
.
.
.
.

Thanks

Raj

 

[ChrisW75]

either

  sequence = _n_;

which works if you are writing out every single record, or

  retain sequence 0;
  sequence + 1;

which will increment each time the command is run, allowing you to be a bit more selective. Should sort you out. You can also use a Do Loop and an output statement to build your dataset, but that doesn't sound like what you want to do.

 

[nirmalraj]

Thanks Chris,

It did work out good but my field length is 6 thats it should start with 000001 instead of 1. is there any possible way by which this could be done.

Thanks
Raj

 

[ChrisW75]

This'll do it.

  length seq_char $6;
  seq_char = put(sequence,z6.);

 

[nirmalraj]

thats correct but i think we should use

length seq_char 6.;

seq_char = put(sequence,z6.);

to retain as numeric and fill in leading zero's.I need not keep '$'.

 

[ChrisW75]

If you want to keep the field as a numeric then skip all that and just put this in the datastep

  format sequence z6.;

Leading zeroes won't be retained in a numeric field, it is a pure formatting issue.