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. The LENGTH statement enables SAS to handle S2K
CHARACTER and
TEXT items that overflow their widths (SAS does not permit
variable-length character variables).
item-width can
be a maximum of 200 characters.
variable-identifier can
be one of the following:
-
the current SAS name for the item
Note: Any name on the left 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
enter the item number or component number (C-number) on the left side
of the equal sign (=).
-
a positional equivalent, which
is the number that represents the item, as specified in the LIST statement
-
the SYSTEM 2000
C-number of the database item.
You can use only the LENGTH statement with a
view descriptor if ASSIGN= NO in the
access descriptor from which the
view descriptor is derived. 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.
Note: You cannot specify a LENGTH
statement for a record.