Calling external executables in SPSS

[Andrew Tan-2]

Hi list!

I was wondering if anyone could advise whether it is possible to invoke an
external executable from SPSS syntax.

For instance I could start by calling a legacy VB program which for example
performs some data preparation, and then return control to SPSS to run some
tests and charting (on the resultant dataset).

I reckon the typical approach would be to perform it in the opposite manner
and invoke an SPSS job through an external program, but would my desired
approach be technically possible?

Specifically you could say I am seeking the equivalent of the SAS "X"
command. Do we have to venture out of SPSS syntax and into Python for this?

Any information pertaining to this matter is very much appreciated, thanks!


Andrew

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[Georg Maubach]

Hi Andrew,

if you are using SPSS 13+ you can use the HOST COMMAND.

Best regards

Georg Maubach
Research Manager

-----Ursprüngliche Nachricht-----
Von: SPSSX(r) Discussion [mailto:[hidden email]] Im Auftrag von Andrew TAN
Gesendet: Freitag, 2. November 2007 10:38
An: [hidden email]
Betreff: Calling external executables in SPSS

Hi list!

I was wondering if anyone could advise whether it is possible to invoke an external executable from SPSS syntax.

For instance I could start by calling a legacy VB program which for example performs some data preparation, and then return control to SPSS to run some tests and charting (on the resultant dataset).

I reckon the typical approach would be to perform it in the opposite manner and invoke an SPSS job through an external program, but would my desired approach be technically possible?

Specifically you could say I am seeking the equivalent of the SAS "X"
command. Do we have to venture out of SPSS syntax and into Python for this?

Any information pertaining to this matter is very much appreciated, thanks!


Andrew

=====================
To manage your subscription to SPSSX-L, send a message to [hidden email] (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

=====================
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[hidden email] (not to SPSSX-L), with no body text except the
command. To leave the list, send the command
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[Peck, Jon]

As has been mentioned, the HOST command can be used to run an external program.  You can also hook things up through the third-party api, which is documented in the Developers Guide.   That can be downloaded from SPSS Developer Central, but it is more work and changes with SPSS 16.

If you use the Python approach, you can integrate more tightly and pass just the information you need to the other program, but it isn't necessary for the basic scenario.

And, of course, if you make a VB.NET program the top layer, you can use the apis in the SPSS .NET plug-in to get services from SPSS.

HTH,
Jon Peck

-----Original Message-----
From: SPSSX(r) Discussion [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Andrew TAN
Sent: Friday, November 02, 2007 3:38 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: [SPSSX-L] Calling external executables in SPSS

Hi list!

I was wondering if anyone could advise whether it is possible to invoke an
external executable from SPSS syntax.

For instance I could start by calling a legacy VB program which for example
performs some data preparation, and then return control to SPSS to run some
tests and charting (on the resultant dataset).

I reckon the typical approach would be to perform it in the opposite manner
and invoke an SPSS job through an external program, but would my desired
approach be technically possible?

Specifically you could say I am seeking the equivalent of the SAS "X"
command. Do we have to venture out of SPSS syntax and into Python for this?

Any information pertaining to this matter is very much appreciated, thanks!


Andrew

=====================
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[hidden email] (not to SPSSX-L), with no body text except the
command. To leave the list, send the command
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For a list of commands to manage subscriptions, send the command
INFO REFCARD

=====================
To manage your subscription to SPSSX-L, send a message to
[hidden email] (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