DELETE VARIABLES: What version did it make its appearance?
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Thanks Mike,
Even if though they are in the same "Modify Dictionary list", DELETE variables is the only one of those that I've ever used (I haven't used all of them though) that throws up an error message and doesn't run the command if any transformations are pending. Basically, I'm trying to find a reason (if ever) to use DELETE variables. I'm not seeing one so far in the discussion (besides readability). Because match files has greater functionality (and doesn't force me to execute pending transformations). |
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On Wednesday, May 08, 2013 12:51 PM, "Andy W" wrote:
> > Thanks Mike, > > Even if though they are in the same "Modify Dictionary list", DELETE > variables is the only one of those that I've ever used (I haven't used all > of them though) that throws up an error message and doesn't run the > command > if any transformations are pending. > > Basically, I'm trying to find a reason (if ever) to use DELETE variables. > I'm not seeing one so far in the discussion (besides readability). Because > match files has greater functionality (and doesn't force me to execute > pending transformations). Well, I'm not trying to convince you to use DELETE variables if it doesn't suit your needs or purposes, just pointing out how and when it might be used. Others might be in different circumstances and would find it useful though I can't think of any right now. -Mike Palij New York University [hidden email] ===================== 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 |
Re: DELETE VARIABLES: What version did it make its appearance?
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It seems to me that the most obvious reason to use DELETE variables rather than KEEP variables is that the list to be deleted is shorter than the list of variables to keep. Otherwise the choice is yours alone. YMMV. ... Mark Miller
On Wed, May 8, 2013 at 10:20 AM, Mike Palij <[hidden email]> wrote:
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In reply to this post by Mike
I just mainly bring it up as a discussion related to best practices. It isn't quite as clear as say INSERT vs. INCLUDE, but from what I gather so far there aren't any situations in which you would prefer DELETE to MATCH FILES. I understand how, I don't understand when.
Mainly I'm surprised people want a KEEP command when obviously that functionality is already available via MATCH FILES. I don't want to encourage the use of DELETE based on the discussion here (so far), and hope I don't inherit code that uses it as far as I can tell. |
Re: DELETE VARIABLES: What version did it make its appearance?
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In reply to this post by Andy W
We use DELETE Variables when it is easier to calculate a variable for several runs/to test a calculation/for checks/for future calculations, but we don't want to keep the variable permanently.
One example is the /IN= variables in a MATCH FILES or ADD FILES command. After matching the files, we run a crosstab of the IN variables to confirm that the records matched appropriately, but then they can be deleted. We will use it when comparing two calculations of the same concept--once one is chosen, the other is deleted. Melissa -----Original Message----- From: SPSSX(r) Discussion [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Andy W Sent: Wednesday, May 08, 2013 11:51 AM To: [hidden email] Subject: Re: [SPSSX-L] DELETE VARIABLES: What version did it make its appearance? Thanks Mike, Even if though they are in the same "Modify Dictionary list", DELETE variables is the only one of those that I've ever used (I haven't used all of them though) that throws up an error message and doesn't run the command if any transformations are pending. Basically, I'm trying to find a reason (if ever) to use DELETE variables. I'm not seeing one so far in the discussion (besides readability). Because match files has greater functionality (and doesn't force me to execute pending transformations). ----- Andy W [hidden email] http://andrewpwheeler.wordpress.com/ -- View this message in context: http://spssx-discussion.1045642.n5.nabble.com/DELETE-VARIABLES-What-version-did-it-make-its-appearance-tp5720045p5720097.html Sent from the SPSSX Discussion mailing list archive at Nabble.com. ===================== 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 PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION This transmittal and any attachments may contain PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL information and is intended only for the use of the addressee. If you are not the designated recipient, or an employee or agent authorized to deliver such transmittals to the designated recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, copying or publication of this transmittal is strictly prohibited. If you have received this transmittal in error, please notify us immediately by replying to the sender and delete this copy from your system. You may also call us at (309) 827-6026 for assistance. ===================== 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 |
Re: DELETE VARIABLES: What version did it make its appearance?
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In reply to this post by Jon K Peck
I didn't know that was possible. It never occured to me to use MATCH FILES in this manner. I thought it more logical to have KEEP as oposite to DELETE. As I couldn't find KEEP in the FM, I assumed this wasn't possible. I will use the below until KEEP is added to Syntax (I won't hold my breath ;) But with regards to readability of the Syntax KEEP would be really great. I type the MATCH FILES command on one line amd it would be neater to use it only for matching files and not for other purposes. Op 8 mei 2013 om 01:46 heeft "Jon K Peck" <[hidden email]> het volgende geschreven:
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Re: DELETE VARIABLES: What version did it make its appearance?
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In reply to this post by Andy W
If the number of variables to delete is less than then the number of variables to keep I use DELETE. Less typing means more time for coffee.
Also when I'm fiddeling around with my standard database (480 variables) I sometimes want to keep 10 of them. As of today I will use the MATCH FILES command for this. But as I was unaware of its use for this, I had to 1) switch to the GUI 2) move the variables I wanted to keep to the front 3) delete all the other variables. As this cost me too much coffe fime I switched to GET FILE /Keep as an alternative. The maim reason to use DELETE is because it does what is says: delete variables. If I see DELETE I know what it does. If I see MATCH FILES I have to read the sub commands to see what it does. Is it used for determining duplicates? Or perhaps to keep variables? Or to do what the name implies (match 2 or more different files)? Op 8 mei 2013 om 20:39 heeft "Andy W" <[hidden email]> het volgende geschreven: > I just mainly bring it up as a discussion related to best practices. It isn't > quite as clear as say INSERT vs. INCLUDE, but from what I gather so far > there aren't any situations in which you would prefer DELETE to MATCH FILES. > I understand how, I don't understand when. > > Mainly I'm surprised people want a KEEP command when obviously that > functionality is already available via MATCH FILES. I don't want to > encourage the use of DELETE based on the discussion here (so far), and hope > I don't inherit code that uses it as far as I can tell. > > > > ----- > Andy W > [hidden email] > http://andrewpwheeler.wordpress.com/ > -- > View this message in context: http://spssx-discussion.1045642.n5.nabble.com/DELETE-VARIABLES-What-version-did-it-make-its-appearance-tp5720045p5720110.html > Sent from the SPSSX Discussion mailing list archive at Nabble.com. > > ===================== > 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 ===================== 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 |
Re: DELETE VARIABLES: What version did it make its appearance?
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But now you know, why not use syntax in future?
delete variables ~ ~ ~ and match files file * /keep ~ ~ ~ [or /drop ~ ~ ~] . . . are simple enough, surely, as long as you don't save the new data editor? John F Hall (Mr) [Retired academic survey researcher] Email: [hidden email] Website: www.surveyresearch.weebly.com SPSS start page: www.surveyresearch.weebly.com/spss-without-tears.html -----Original Message----- From: SPSSX(r) Discussion [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of kwame woei Sent: 08 May 2013 23:46 To: [hidden email] Subject: Re: DELETE VARIABLES: What version did it make its appearance? If the number of variables to delete is less than then the number of variables to keep I use DELETE. Less typing means more time for coffee. Also when I'm fiddeling around with my standard database (480 variables) I sometimes want to keep 10 of them. As of today I will use the MATCH FILES command for this. But as I was unaware of its use for this, I had to 1) switch to the GUI 2) move the variables I wanted to keep to the front 3) delete all the other variables. As this cost me too much coffe fime I switched to GET FILE /Keep as an alternative. The maim reason to use DELETE is because it does what is says: delete variables. If I see DELETE I know what it does. If I see MATCH FILES I have to read the sub commands to see what it does. Is it used for determining duplicates? Or perhaps to keep variables? Or to do what the name implies (match 2 or more different files)? Op 8 mei 2013 om 20:39 heeft "Andy W" <[hidden email]> het volgende geschreven: > I just mainly bring it up as a discussion related to best practices. > It isn't quite as clear as say INSERT vs. INCLUDE, but from what I > gather so far there aren't any situations in which you would prefer DELETE to MATCH FILES. > I understand how, I don't understand when. > > Mainly I'm surprised people want a KEEP command when obviously that > functionality is already available via MATCH FILES. I don't want to > encourage the use of DELETE based on the discussion here (so far), and > hope I don't inherit code that uses it as far as I can tell. > > > > ----- > Andy W > [hidden email] > http://andrewpwheeler.wordpress.com/ > -- > View this message in context: > http://spssx-discussion.1045642.n5.nabble.com/DELETE-VARIABLES-What-ve > rsion-did-it-make-its-appearance-tp5720045p5720110.html > Sent from the SPSSX Discussion mailing list archive at Nabble.com. > > ===================== > 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 ===================== 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 ===================== 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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In reply to this post by Melissa Ives
Melissa,
If you replaced all of the DELETE VARIABLES with MATCH FILES with DROP, would your process not work the same? You seem to have a more interactive workflow (which is ok), which I can see the appeal in less key strokes for that, but functionally it seems you use DELETE VARIABLES in a situation in which MATCH FILES would work exactly the same (unless I am confused about something). People who are doing things repetitively in the GUI, well, that takes much more time (and coffee) than making the appropriate syntax once (and re-using when necessary). MATCH FILES is probably one of the dozen or so commands I have memorized (as I use it so often). I quite honestly don't know how you create the delete syntax through the GUI! Here is an example of why I don't like DELETE VARIABLES throwing up an error with pending transformations, as very minor changes to code will break (and MATCH FILES with DROP will behave the same). I've inherited plenty of code which was obviously run by the prior analyst interactively. Pretty much always these were littered with FREQ and CROSSTABS, which functionally act the same as execute statements in practice, making DELETE VARIABLES work as expected (as no transformations are pending). So below would work just fine. **********************************************. *this is ok. data list free / V1 V2. begin data 1 6 2 7 3 8 4 9 5 9 end data. dataset name del. compute V3 = V1 + V2. freq var V3. delete variables V3. **********************************************. Ok, but what if I place any new transformation in between the frequency and the delete? Well, my code is now broken, whereas if I had used "match files file = * /drop V3." it works just fine and dandy. **********************************************. *this is not ok. data list free / V1 V2. begin data 1 6 2 7 3 8 4 9 5 9 end data. dataset name del. compute V3 = V1 + V2. freq var V3. compute flag = (V3 > 10). delete variables V3. **********************************************. Essentially, to ensure that delete variables works correctly, you would need to do this. **********************************************. exe. delete variables V3. **********************************************. Really I was wondering if there were any workflows where forcing to run pending transformations was needed (so the forced exe. with DELETE was really a good thing), and dropping variables via MATCH FILES (either without a prior or subsequent exe.) did not act as expected. |
Re: DELETE VARIABLES: What version did it make its appearance?
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In reply to this post by John F Hall
I think I'm going to write a MACRO for it.
!Keep ~~~ If the mountain doesn't come to Mohammed Op 9 mei 2013 om 09:56 heeft "John F Hall" <[hidden email]> het volgende geschreven: > But now you know, why not use syntax in future? > > delete variables ~ ~ ~ > > and > > match files file * /keep ~ ~ ~ [or /drop ~ ~ ~] > > . . . are simple enough, surely, as long as you don't save the new data > editor? > > > John F Hall (Mr) > [Retired academic survey researcher] > > Email: [hidden email] > Website: www.surveyresearch.weebly.com > SPSS start page: www.surveyresearch.weebly.com/spss-without-tears.html > > > > > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: SPSSX(r) Discussion [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of > kwame woei > Sent: 08 May 2013 23:46 > To: [hidden email] > Subject: Re: DELETE VARIABLES: What version did it make its appearance? > > If the number of variables to delete is less than then the number of > variables to keep I use DELETE. Less typing means more time for coffee. > > Also when I'm fiddeling around with my standard database (480 variables) I > sometimes want to keep 10 of them. As of today I will use the MATCH FILES > command for this. But as I was unaware of its use for this, I had to > 1) switch to the GUI > 2) move the variables I wanted to keep to the front > 3) delete all the other variables. > > As this cost me too much coffe fime I switched to GET FILE /Keep as an > alternative. > > The maim reason to use DELETE is because it does what is says: delete > variables. If I see DELETE I know what it does. If I see MATCH FILES I have > to read the sub commands to see what it does. Is it used for determining > duplicates? Or perhaps to keep variables? Or to do what the name implies > (match 2 or more different files)? > > > > > > Op 8 mei 2013 om 20:39 heeft "Andy W" <[hidden email]> het volgende > geschreven: > >> I just mainly bring it up as a discussion related to best practices. >> It isn't quite as clear as say INSERT vs. INCLUDE, but from what I >> gather so far there aren't any situations in which you would prefer DELETE > to MATCH FILES. >> I understand how, I don't understand when. >> >> Mainly I'm surprised people want a KEEP command when obviously that >> functionality is already available via MATCH FILES. I don't want to >> encourage the use of DELETE based on the discussion here (so far), and >> hope I don't inherit code that uses it as far as I can tell. >> >> >> >> ----- >> Andy W >> [hidden email] >> http://andrewpwheeler.wordpress.com/ >> -- >> View this message in context: >> http://spssx-discussion.1045642.n5.nabble.com/DELETE-VARIABLES-What-ve >> rsion-did-it-make-its-appearance-tp5720045p5720110.html >> Sent from the SPSSX Discussion mailing list archive at Nabble.com. >> >> ===================== >> 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 > > ===================== > 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 > > ===================== > 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 ===================== 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 |
Re: DELETE VARIABLES: What version did it make its appearance?
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DEFINE !keep (varlist !CMDEND).
MATCH FILES / FILE * / KEEP !varlist . !ENDDEFINE . !KEEP varlist blahblahblah. ;-)) OTOH: Probably simpler to just throw down with MATCH... If the mountain doesn't come to Mohammed then bust out the C4! That'll teach the mountain not to f with Frank Zappa!
Please reply to the list and not to my personal email.
Those desiring my consulting or training services please feel free to email me. --- "Nolite dare sanctum canibus neque mittatis margaritas vestras ante porcos ne forte conculcent eas pedibus suis." Cum es damnatorum possederunt porcos iens ut salire off sanguinum cliff in abyssum?" |
Re: DELETE VARIABLES: What version did it make its appearance?
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:)
I have a Start Syntax which loads a bunch of MACRO's (around 50 and counting). I write one for everything which slows the workpace down. F.e: names of files which are weekly updated so I always have the latest at the tip of my exclamation mark, identify duplicate cases (starring MATCH FILES ;) etc. I just add the below to my MACRO Start Syntax and from then on I can always !Keep my relevant variables :+ Op 13 mei 2013 om 17:57 heeft "David Marso" <[hidden email]> het volgende geschreven: > DEFINE !keep (varlist !CMDEND). > MATCH FILES / FILE * / KEEP !varlist . > !ENDDEFINE . > !KEEP varlist blahblahblah. > ;-)) > OTOH: Probably simpler to just throw down with MATCH... > If the mountain doesn't come to Mohammed then bust out the C4! > That'll teach the mountain not to f with Frank Zappa! > > > kwame woei wrote >> I think I'm going to write a MACRO for it. >> >> !Keep ~~~ >> >> If the mountain doesn't come to Mohammed >> >> Op 9 mei 2013 om 09:56 heeft "John F Hall" < > >> johnfhall@ > >> > het volgende geschreven: >> >>> But now you know, why not use syntax in future? >>> >>> delete variables ~ ~ ~ >>> >>> and >>> >>> match files file * /keep ~ ~ ~ [or /drop ~ ~ ~] >>> >>> . . . are simple enough, surely, as long as you don't save the new data >>> editor? >>> >>> >>> John F Hall (Mr) >>> [Retired academic survey researcher] >>> >>> Email: > >> johnfhall@ > >>> Website: www.surveyresearch.weebly.com >>> SPSS start page: www.surveyresearch.weebly.com/spss-without-tears.html >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: SPSSX(r) Discussion [mailto: > >> SPSSX-L@.UGA > >> ] On Behalf Of >>> kwame woei >>> Sent: 08 May 2013 23:46 >>> To: > >> SPSSX-L@.UGA > >>> Subject: Re: DELETE VARIABLES: What version did it make its appearance? >>> >>> If the number of variables to delete is less than then the number of >>> variables to keep I use DELETE. Less typing means more time for coffee. >>> >>> Also when I'm fiddeling around with my standard database (480 variables) >>> I >>> sometimes want to keep 10 of them. As of today I will use the MATCH FILES >>> command for this. But as I was unaware of its use for this, I had to >>> 1) switch to the GUI >>> 2) move the variables I wanted to keep to the front >>> 3) delete all the other variables. >>> >>> As this cost me too much coffe fime I switched to GET FILE /Keep as an >>> alternative. >>> >>> The maim reason to use DELETE is because it does what is says: delete >>> variables. If I see DELETE I know what it does. If I see MATCH FILES I >>> have >>> to read the sub commands to see what it does. Is it used for determining >>> duplicates? Or perhaps to keep variables? Or to do what the name implies >>> (match 2 or more different files)? >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> Op 8 mei 2013 om 20:39 heeft "Andy W" < > >> apwheele@ > >> > het volgende >>> geschreven: >>> >>>> I just mainly bring it up as a discussion related to best practices. >>>> It isn't quite as clear as say INSERT vs. INCLUDE, but from what I >>>> gather so far there aren't any situations in which you would prefer >>>> DELETE >>> to MATCH FILES. >>>> I understand how, I don't understand when. >>>> >>>> Mainly I'm surprised people want a KEEP command when obviously that >>>> functionality is already available via MATCH FILES. I don't want to >>>> encourage the use of DELETE based on the discussion here (so far), and >>>> hope I don't inherit code that uses it as far as I can tell. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> ----- >>>> Andy W >>>> > >> apwheele@ > >>>> http://andrewpwheeler.wordpress.com/ >>>> -- >>>> View this message in context: >>>> http://spssx-discussion.1045642.n5.nabble.com/DELETE-VARIABLES-What-ve >>>> rsion-did-it-make-its-appearance-tp5720045p5720110.html >>>> Sent from the SPSSX Discussion mailing list archive at Nabble.com. >>>> >>>> ===================== >>>> To manage your subscription to SPSSX-L, send a message to >>>> > >> LISTSERV@.UGA > >> (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@.UGA > >> (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@.UGA > >> (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@.UGA > >> (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 > > > > > > ----- > Please reply to the list and not to my personal email. > Those desiring my consulting or training services please feel free to email me. > --- > "Nolite dare sanctum canibus neque mittatis margaritas vestras ante porcos ne forte conculcent eas pedibus suis." > Cum es damnatorum possederunt porcos iens ut salire off sanguinum cliff in abyssum?" > -- > View this message in context: http://spssx-discussion.1045642.n5.nabble.com/DELETE-VARIABLES-What-version-did-it-make-its-appearance-tp5720045p5720228.html > Sent from the SPSSX Discussion mailing list archive at Nabble.com. > > ===================== > 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 ===================== 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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