Re: st: Re: help on outfile to fixed formatted text file

[Steven Dubnoff <sdubnoff@circlesys.com>]

> You are on the right track with -outfile-, but not with a dictionary. 
> Instead, use the runtogether option.  You will most likely need to convert 
> all numeric variables to strings with the desired formatting and may also 
> need to pad strings.  You can then order the variables and use the 
> runtogether option in outfile.

If you have Stat/Transfer, you can avoid all of that work by picking a 
fixed format output option.  Your file will be written automatically with 
each variable in the narrowest width that preserves its 
precision.  Optionally, Stat/Trannsfer will produce dictionaries or 
programs to read the data back into SAS, SPSS, Stata or Stat/Transfer.

As an aside, we recommend this option to all who are storing their data for 
the long term.  We frequently receive calls for help from those who need to 
read files created on obsolete hardware and/or software platforms.  If your 
data are in ASCII and are properly described, you will be able to read them 
in the future.

Best,

Steve




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Steven Dubnoff              sdubnoff@circlesys.com
Circle Systems              We make your data instantly usable.
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