Re: st: Using variable label

[David Kantor <kantor.d@att.net>]

At 07:42 PM 9/20/2011, Yun wrote:
> Hi all,
> Does anyone know how to list or use variable label instead of 
> variable name in stata?
>
> For instance when you use command: sum varlists.
>
> I'm using stata 11.0
> I prefer to use variable label & had read about label in the stata 
> guide but didn't find how to use varlabel label.
> I just knew how to create it.
>
> It is the label in variable box on the left in the stata screen, 
> usually appears in the second coloumn after variable name.
>
> I try an example with '"nolabel'" word attached in the command box 
> but seen an error message in red:
> option nolabel not allowed
> r(198);
>
> Thank you in advanced.
> Yun
> [...]

If I understand correctly, you want a variable label to appear, 
rather than the name.
Each command has its own "policy" on whether to display names or 
variable labels.
For example, -tabulate- uses variable labels; -summarize- uses names.
For most commands, there is no control over this. Actually, I am not 
aware of any Stata-supplied command that gives you control over this 
behavior, though my experience is limited or I may be overlooking 
something. Conceivably, it is possible to create a command with that 
option, but it's not usually done (or I'm overlooking something).

For commands that potentially display a lot of variables (other than 
-describe-, which gives you both), names are the appropriate choice.

Some commands (for example, -tabulate-) have a -nolabel- option 
(possibly the opposite of what you had in mind), but this usually 
refers to value labels -- a feature distinct from variable labels.

HTH
--David

*
*   For searches and help try:
*   http://www.stata.com/help.cgi?search
*   http://www.stata.com/support/statalist/faq
*   http://www.ats.ucla.edu/stat/stata/