LENGTH

LENGTH

Assigns a character width to a data item

Optional statement

Applies to: access descriptor and view descriptor

Syntax
Details

Syntax

LENGTH variable-identifier<=> item-width
<...variable-identifier-n<=> item-width-n>;

Details

The LENGTH statement changes the item width in characters from the default width; the default item width is based on the database item's picture specification. This statement enables the SAS System to deal with S2K CHARACTER/TEXT items that overflow their widths (the SAS System does not permit variable-length character variables). The item-width argument can be no greater than 200.

The LENGTH statement only applies to data items; you cannot specify a length for a record.

The variable-identifier argument can be one of the following:

current SAS name for the item
Note: Any name on the lefthand side of the equal sign must be a SAS name, not a SYSTEM 2000 name. In an access descriptor, if the ASSIGN statement is omitted, you must use the item number or component number (C-number) on the lefthand side of the equal sign.
positional equivalent, which is the number that represents the item, as given by the LIST statement
SYSTEM 2000 C-number of the database item.

You can only use the LENGTH statement with a view descriptor if the ASSIGN statement in the access descriptor from which it is derived is specified with the NO value. When used for a view descriptor, the LENGTH statement automatically selects the reformatted item. That is, if you change the length associated with an item, you do not have to issue a SELECT statement for that item.

LEN and S2KLEN are aliases for the LENGTH statement.

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Optional statement
Applies to:	access descriptor and view descriptor