VLENGTHX Function


VLENGTHX Function

Returns the compile-time (allocated) size for the value of the specified argument

Category: Variable Information

Syntax

VLENGTHX ( expression )

Arguments

expression

  • specifies any SAS character expression that evaluates to a variable name .

  • Restriction: The value of the specified expression cannot denote an array reference.

Comparisons

  • LENGTH examines the variable at run-time, trimming trailing blanks to determine the length. 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 returns the length of the specified variable. VLENGTHX returns the length for the value of the specified expression.

  • 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, 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 x1 ;   x1='abc';   array vx(3)  vx1 vx2 vx3   ('x1' 'x2' 'x3');   y=vlengthx(vx(1));   z=length(x1);   put y=;   put z=;  
  y=8   z=3  

See Also

Functions:

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




SAS 9.1 Language Reference Dictionary, Volumes 1, 2 and 3
SAS 9.1 Language Reference Dictionary, Volumes 1, 2 and 3
ISBN: N/A
EAN: N/A
Year: 2004
Pages: 704

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