VLENGTH Function

VLENGTH Function

Returns the compile-time (allocated) size of the specified variable

Category: Variable Information

Syntax

VLENGTH ( var )

Arguments

var

• specifies a variable that is expressed as a scalar or as an array reference.

• Restriction: You cannot use an expression as an argument.

Comparisons

• LENGTH examines the variable at run-time, trimming trailing blanks to determine the length. VLENGTH returns a compile-time constant value, which reflects the maximum length.

• VLENGTH returns the length of the specified variable. VLENGTHX, however, evaluates the argument to determine the variable name. The function then returns the compile-time size that is associated with that variable name .

• VLENGTH does not accept an expression as an argument. VLENGTHX accepts expressions, but the value of the specified expression cannot denote an array reference.

• Related functions return the value of other variable attributes, such as the variable name, informat, and format, among others. For a list, see the 'Variable Information' functions in 'Functions and CALL Routines by Category' on page 270.

Examples

SAS Statements	Results
length x ; x='abc'; y=vlength(x); z=length(x); put y=; put z=;	y=8 z=3

See Also

Functions:

• 'Variable Information' functions in 'Functions and CALL Routines by Category' on page 270