Both the IF and WHERE statements can be used to subset data. The LIKE operator in a WHERE clause matches patterns in words. To get the equivalent result in an IF statement, the '=:' operator can be used. This matches patterns that occur at the beginning of a string. For example:

data test;
   input name $;
   datalines; 
John
Diana
Diane
Sally
Doug
David
DIANNA
;
run;

data test;
   set test;
   if name =: 'D';
   /* the syntax to select observations that */
   /*  do not match the pattern is below */
   *if name not =: 'D';
   /* equivalent WHERE clause */
   *where name like 'D%';
run;

proc print;
run;

The CONTAINS operator in a WHERE clause checks for a character string within a value. To get the equivalent result in an IF statement, the FIND function can be used with the 'i' argument to ignore case. Another alternative is to use the INDEX and UPCASE functions. For example:

data test;
   set test;
   if find(name,'ian','i') ge 1;
   /* equivalent WHERE clause */
   *where upcase(name) contains 'IAN';
run;

proc print;
run;

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These sample files and code examples are provided by SAS Institute Inc. "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Recipients acknowledge and agree that SAS Institute shall not be liable for any damages whatsoever arising out of their use of this material. In addition, SAS Institute will provide no support for the materials contained herein.

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These sample files and code examples are provided by SAS Institute Inc. "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Recipients acknowledge and agree that SAS Institute shall not be liable for any damages whatsoever arising out of their use of this material. In addition, SAS Institute will provide no support for the materials contained herein.

Comparison to LIKE operator

Obs    name

 1     Diana
 2     Diane
 3     Doug
 4     David
 5     DIANNA



Comparison to CONTAINS operator

Obs    name

 1     Diana
 2     Diane
 3     DIANNA

Operating System and Release Information