We’ve already discussed using macros in Stata to simplify and shorten code.
Another great tool in your coding tool belt is loops. Loops allow you to run the same command for several variables at one time without having to write separate code for each variable.
This discussion could go on for pages and pages because there is much you can do with a loop. (more…)
We finished the last article about Stata with the confusing coding of:
local continuous educat exper wage age
I admit it looks like a foreign language. Let me explain how simple it is to understand. (more…)
Most statistical software packages use a spreadsheet format for viewing the data. This helps you get a feeling for what you will be working with, especially if the data set is small.
But what if your data set contains numerous variables and hundreds or thousands of observations? There is no way you can get warm and fuzzy by browsing through a large data set.
To help you get a good feel for your data you will need to use your software’s command or syntax editor to write a series of code for reviewing your data. Sounds complicated.
Like many people with graduate degrees, I have used a number of statistical software packages over the years.
Through work and school I have used Eviews, SAS, SPSS, R, and Stata.
Some were more difficult to use than others but if you used them often enough you would become proficient to take on the task at hand (though some packages required greater usage of George Carlin’s 7 dirty words).
There was always one caveat which determined which package I used.