Evaluating multivariable functions in Stata

[Aaron Cruz]

I'm wondering if Stata can evaluate multivariable functions. Specifically, I have a function that has 5 variables with each variable taking 5 values each. Can Stata generate all the possible values (combination of 5 variables with 5 possible values each results to 625 values) of the function?

Thanks.

[Nick Cox]

Why not? First you need a dataset or matrix with 625 observations or rows. If a dataset, note that fillin can be a time-saver.

[William Lisowski]

Welcome to Statalist.

5 variables with 5 possible values each results in 5^5 = 3125 combinations. Here is an example of generating all 3125 combinations.

* Example generated by -dataex-. To install: ssc install dataex
clear
input float(v1 v2 v3 v4 v5)
11 21 31 41 51
12 22 32 42 52
13 23 33 43 53
14 24 34 44 54
15 25 35 45 55
end
fillin v1 v2 v3 v4 v5
drop _fillin
describe
list if _n<=5 | _n>3120

. describe

Contains data
  obs:         3,125                          
 vars:             5                          
 size:        62,500                          
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              storage   display    value
variable name   type    format     label      variable label
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
v1              float   %9.0g                 
v2              float   %9.0g                 
v3              float   %9.0g                 
v4              float   %9.0g                 
v5              float   %9.0g                 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sorted by: v1  v2  v3  v4  v5
     Note: Dataset has changed since last saved.

. list if _n<=5 | _n>3120

      +------------------------+
      | v1   v2   v3   v4   v5 |
      |------------------------|
   1. | 11   21   31   41   51 |
   2. | 11   21   31   41   52 |
   3. | 11   21   31   41   53 |
   4. | 11   21   31   41   54 |
   5. | 11   21   31   41   55 |
      |------------------------|
3121. | 15   25   35   45   51 |
3122. | 15   25   35   45   52 |
3123. | 15   25   35   45   53 |
3124. | 15   25   35   45   54 |
3125. | 15   25   35   45   55 |
      +------------------------+