Removing blanks from within a string

[Andrew Rudd]

Hi,

 

I have a numeric value that is currently a string variable in the following format '03 1234567' and I want to convert it to a numeric variable, however due the space in the middle it becomes system missing.

 

Is there some way that I can remove the blanks from within the string variable so I can convert it to numeric?

 

Generally the space is after the 2nd or 5th number.

 

Thanks

Andrew

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[Barnett, Adrian (DECD)]

Hi Andrew

You nee the REPLACE function, in which you tell it to replace a space character with nothing. I’m assuming you don’t want to be left with any spaces anywhere - 

String VAR_NO_SPACES (a10). (Assuming the variable will have no more than 10 characters, and assuming you don’t want to destroy your original variable)

Compute VAR_NO_SPACES  = replace(VAR_WITH_SPACES,’ ‘,’’).

(This can get a bit more involved whn the task is to replace multiple instances of a string with a single instance, in which case you need to place the command in a loop which will execute until there are no more instances of the multiple-character string)

Regards,

 

Adrian Barnett

Information Analyst

Educational Measurement and Analysis

Data Management

DECS

ph 82261080

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From: SPSSX(r) Discussion [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Andrew Rudd
Sent: Thursday, 20 August 2009 7:33 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Removing blanks from within a string

 

Hi,

 

I have a numeric value that is currently a string variable in the following format '03 1234567' and I want to convert it to a numeric variable, however due the space in the middle it becomes system missing.

 

Is there some way that I can remove the blanks from within the string variable so I can convert it to numeric?

 

Generally the space is after the 2nd or 5th number.

 

Thanks

Andrew

 

Unintended Recipient: This message (and/or any files transmitted with it) contains confidential and/or privileged information for use by the intended recipient. If you have received this message in error, we apologise and request that you immediately destroy all trace of this message and/or attached files and do not use, copy, disseminate or otherwise action. It would also be appreciated if you could notify the Help Desk on 0800 502 442.

Disclaimer: Any views expressed in this message (or attached files) are those of the individual sender, except where the message clearly states otherwise and the sender is authorised to state them to be the views of the organisation.

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