st: merging variables with labels

["Ben Hoen" <bhoen@lbl.gov>]

I have two variables (e.g. x and y) with value labels (e.g. xlab and ylab).
Both x and y were created via .encode (they were derived from string
variables) so they overlap in their underlying values but the value labels
are unique between x and y and within x and y.  

I would like to create a new variable z which would take on the value labels
of x (xlab) for some cases and y (ylab) for other cases based on an
expression.  I do not care what the underlying values are, only that the
value labels are correctly assigned?  

Suggestions?

Somewhat relatedly, is there a quick way on the command line to display the
underlying value of a variable if one only has the label?  I imagine
something like: .display y if ylab="something"

Ben

Ben Hoen
Principal Research Associate
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Office: 845-758-1896
Cell: 718-812-7589
bhoen@lbl.gov



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