st: Re: how to read a 18 digits variable

[Roger Newson <roger.newson@kcl.ac.uk>]

At 19:31 03/02/04 +0100, Clara wrote:
> Hello, we are reading a data set in which the variable that identifies the 
> individual is 18 digits long. We have storaged this variable as a double 
> type variable, but the variable is not read correctly. It looks like only 
> 16 digits have been read.
>
> How can we get stata read this variable with 18 digits of accuracy.
The best way is probably to read and store the ID as a string variable of 
type str18, instead of a numeric variable of type double. You can still 
sort and merge by a string ID.

I hope this helps.

Roger


--
Roger Newson
Lecturer in Medical Statistics
Department of Public Health Sciences
King's College London
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Opinions expressed are those of the author, not the institution.

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