CATX() Function Demonstration

The script begins by creating a dataset 'one' containing character variables and missing values. It then illustrates how the CATX() function can be used to concatenate variables with a specified delimiter, automatically managing missing values without introducing superfluous delimiters. A comparison is made with a manual concatenation method to highlight the advantages of CATX(). The final result is displayed via a PROC PRINT.

Data Analysis

Type : INTERNAL_CREATION

Data is created directly within the script using a DATALINES/CARDS block, which allows demonstrating CATX() behavior with missing values.

1 Code Block

DATA STEP Data

Explanation :
This DATA STEP block creates a dataset named 'one'. It defines four character variables (x1 to x4) with a length of 1. Data is then read via a DATALINES block, including observations with missing values for intermediate variables (represented by a dot '.').

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1	DATA one;
2	LENGTH x1-x4 $1;
3	INPUT x1-x4;
4	DATALINES;
5	A B C D
6	E . F G
7	H . . J
8	;
9	RUN;

2 Code Block

DATA STEP Data

Explanation :
This DATA STEP block creates a new dataset 'two' based on 'one'. A variable 'SP' is defined as the delimiter '^'.
- The 'test1' variable is created using the CATX() function to concatenate variables x1 to x4. CATX() automatically handles missing values by not inserting a delimiter before or after them, nor consecutive delimiters.
- The 'test2' variable is created by manual concatenation. This approach requires the use of TRIM() and LEFT() functions to remove trailing spaces and may produce additional delimiters if values are missing, unlike CATX().

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1	DATA two;
2	SET one;
3	SP='^';
4	test1=catx(sp, of x1-x4);
5	test2=trim(left(x1)) \|\| sp \|\| trim(left(x2)) \|\| sp \|\| trim(left(x3)) \|\| sp \|\|
6	trim(left(x4));
7	RUN;

3 Code Block

PROC PRINT

Explanation :
This PROC PRINT displays the content of the 'two' dataset. This allows visualizing and comparing the results of 'test1' (using CATX()) and 'test2' (manual concatenation), highlighting the advantage of CATX() for handling missing values and delimiters.

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1	PROC PRINT DATA=two;
2	RUN;

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