For numeric variables, formats don't have to match. All numbers are stored as floating-point binary and formats are only used for display purposes. When numeric formats conflict, the format used for variables in the first file is used.

For string variables, formats do have to match in type and width (to the annoyance of some users).

And variables do have to match in type (numeric or string). -----Original Message----- From: SPSSX(r) Discussion [mailto:SPSSX-L@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU] On Behalf Of Albert-jan Roskam Sent: Saturday, April 26, 2008 5:10 AM To: SPSSX-L@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU Subject: Re: appending cases/merging

Hi Deepa,

I think the two files need to be 'union compatible' (in sql speak), meaning that the width and decimals should be equal (also variable type) between 'variable pairs'. But it doesn't matter if the print or display FORMAT differs between files. Use DISPLAY DICTIONARY to compare the characteristics of the two files.

Cheers!! Albert-Jan

--- Deepa Bhat <deepa_bhat@jsi.com> wrote:

> Hi everyone, > > When you are appending cases from one dataset to > another dataset, how > much does the "width" and "decimals" matter? > I made sure the variable name and the type (string > and numeric) are the > same, but do I need to make sure the width and > decimals are the same in > both datasets? > > Thanks, > Deepa > > ===================== > To manage your subscription to SPSSX-L, send a > message to > LISTSERV@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU (not to SPSSX-L), with no > body text except the > command. To leave the list, send the command > SIGNOFF SPSSX-L > For a list of commands to manage subscriptions, send > the command > INFO REFCARD >

____________________________________________________________________________ ________ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

===================== To manage your subscription to SPSSX-L, send a message to LISTSERV@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU (not to SPSSX-L), with no body text except the command. To leave the list, send the command SIGNOFF SPSSX-L For a list of commands to manage subscriptions, send the command INFO REFCARD

===================== To manage your subscription to SPSSX-L, send a message to LISTSERV@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU (not to SPSSX-L), with no body text except the command. To leave the list, send the command SIGNOFF SPSSX-L For a list of commands to manage subscriptions, send the command INFO REFCARD