keep (dataloop)

Purpose

Specifies columns (variables) to be saved to the output dataset in a data loop.

Format

keep variable_list;

Examples

keep age, pay, sex;

Remarks

Commas are optional in variable_list.

Retains only the specified variables in the output dataset. Any variables referenced must already exist, either as elements of the source dataset, or as the result of a previous make, vector, or code statement.

If neither keep nor drop is used, the output dataset will contain all variables from the source dataset, as well as any newly defined variables. The effects of multiple keep and drop statements are cumulative.

See also

drop