The syntax you want is
. set obs `=ObsPerPerson'
Or in extremis
. set obs `=scalar(ObsPerPerson)'
-- because (the name of) a scalar is not a number, or (the name of) a
local macro, as implied by other syntaxes you tried.
Irritating, but true.
A separate implication is that I would not put this number in a scalar,
because of the extra effort needed to get it out again. To automate -set
obs-, I would use a local macro.
-display-'s job is to go the extra mile [sc. kilometre], as I mused not
so long ago on this list, so what -display- can do is not a precedent
for other commands.
Nick
[email protected]
Jacob Wegelin
In the example below, it is impossible to set obs equal to a scalar
value 5, but it is possible to set obs to equal the same value 5 when it
is stored in a local macro. Why? Is there no way to set obs equal to a
scalar?
. clear
. scalar define ObsPerPerson=5
. di ObsPerPerson
5
. set obs ObsPerPerson
'ObsPerPerson' found where integer expected
r(198);
. set obs `ObsPerPerson'
invalid syntax
r(198);
. set obs "`ObsPerPerson'"
'"' found where integer expected
r(198);
. local heyThere 5
. set obs `heyThere'
obs was 0, now 5
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