SPSS Update

The UPDATE command overwrites values in a dataset with non-missing values from another dataset.

Usage

update file=foo
  /file=bar
  /by KEYVARS.

The master file is modified in-place. Rows and columns originating from a transaction file are appended.

The key variables must be defined with the same format (including length for string variables) in each dataset. Cases must be uniquely identified by the key variables in each dataset.

Each dataset must be presorted by the key variables.

File

Each /FILE subcommand takes one of:

• a star (*) indicating the active data set

• the name of a data set

• a filename or file handle

Data Model

The UPDATE command reads all datasets and data files named on /FILE subcommands.

Execution of the UPDATE command is deferred until the active dataset is read, or until one of the EXECUTE, SAVE, or SORT CASES commands are used.

The UPDATE command recognizes FILTER status and preserves it, although filtered cases are included in the final dataset.

See also

PSPP manual for UPDATE

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