8 Data Input and Output

Data are the focus of the PSPP language. Each datum belongs to a case (also called an observation). Each case represents an individual or “experimental unit”. For example, in the results of a survey, the names of the respondents, their sex, age, etc. and their responses are all data and the data pertaining to single respondent is a case. This chapter examines the PSPP commands for defining variables and reading and writing data. There are alternative commands to read data from predefined sources such as system files or databases (See GET DATA.)

Note: These commands tell PSPP how to read data, but the data will not actually be read until a procedure is executed.

• BEGIN DATA		Embed data within a syntax file.
• CLOSE FILE HANDLE		Close a file handle.
• DATAFILE ATTRIBUTE		Set custom attributes on data files.
• DATASET		Manage multiple datasets.
• DATA LIST		Fundamental data reading command.
• END CASE		Output the current case.
• END FILE		Terminate the current input program.
• FILE HANDLE		Support for special file formats.
• INPUT PROGRAM		Support for complex input programs.
• LIST		List cases in the active dataset.
• NEW FILE		Clear the active dataset.
• PRINT		Display values in print formats.
• PRINT EJECT		Eject the current page then print.
• PRINT SPACE		Print blank lines.
• REREAD		Take another look at the previous input line.
• WRITE		Display values in write formats.