encode

Convert a string variable into a new integer-coded variable (1..K for sorted unique nonmissing values), create a matching value-label set, and attach it.

When to use

Turn string categories into numeric codes with value labels for tabulate and modeling.

Syntax

encode <strvar>, generate(<newvar>) [, label(<lblname>)]

Options

• generate(<newvar>): Required. Name of the new integer variable to create.
• label(<lblname>): Optional. Name of the value-label set to create (defaults to <newvar>).

Examples

encode sex, generate(sex_n)
encode region, generate(region_id) label(regionlbl)

See also

• Command Reference Index
• User Guide
• In-App Help System