In Stata, how do I import a fixed-format ASCII file?

The Stata .infix command reads an ASCII file in fixed format. You need to specify column locations of data items and/or data types, for example:

. infix id 1-4 str name 5-19 byte male 20 stat 21-25 using class.txt

Stata reads a float variable id from columns 1 through 4, a string variable name from columns 5 through 19, a byte variable male at column 20, and a float variable stat from columns 21 through 25.

Alternatively, you may write a data dictionary file (ASCII text format), class.dct, as follows:

infix dictionary using class.txt { float id 1-4 str name 5-19 byte male 20-20 float stat 21-25 }

Then run the .infix command with the dictionary file.

. infix using class.dct

For more information about statistical and mathematical software, email the UITS Stat/Math Center, visit the center's web page, or phone 812-855-4724 (IUB) or 317-278-4740 (IUPUI). The center is located in Bloomington at 410 N. Park Avenue, and is open for consultation by appointment Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.

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Last modified on April 08, 2008.

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