Speaking Stata: On Numbers and Strings

Abstract

The great divide among data types in Stata is between numeric and string variables. Most of the time, which kind you want to use for particular variables is clear and unproblematic, but surprisingly often, users face difficulties in making the right decision or need to convert variables from one kind to another. The main problems that may arise and their possible solutions are surveyed with reference both to official Stata and to user-written programs.