Is it possible to use two datasets at once?

[David Ta]

Hey STATA noob here,

I'm wondering if it's possible to use variables from two different datasets at the same time like you do in RStudio without merging the datasets. If no,t, how can I get around this,

[Richard Williams]

Sounds like you want to rush out and get Stata 16 as quickly as possible. https://www.stata.com/new-in-stata/m...ets-in-memory/

[William Lisowski]

Welcome to Statalist.

Perhaps if you explained your objective rather than the technique you want to use (using variables from two different datasets at the same time) other members can suggest a different technique that accomplishes your objective (that doesn't involve typing in your credit card number).

[Richard Williams]

I've never had a mad desire to have two data sets open at once but I've seen others call it the best change in Stata 16. Likewise I suppose I might be more euphoric about Python integration if I only knew what Python is. Every release of Stata seems to have something that is somebody's wildest dream come true but I have no idea what it is.

[Sergiy Radyakin]

Richard,

don't be disappointed. Even though you may not be using these features directly, they will make life easier for the developers, and they in turn will create a wave of modules that you may be using without even realizing a certain feature is being used. And I mean both developers in StataCorp and particularly outside (module developers). Recall how Mata was introduced, first Stata started converting to it, and then gradually the community started producing more and more efficient commands, later Java was introduced, and now we have import delimited, import excel and other commands running thanks to it, with Python the expansion will probably lower the bar significantly and allow more novice users to take advantage of it embarking on even more ambitious goals, especially in interacting with other systems, porting the code, etc.

PS: Opening two datasets in memory was my first question to the econometrics prof. and the first disappointment that it wasn't possible. For the first year I wanted it , then less, then I convinced myself that I can do everything I need with just one. But, apparently having two datasets in memory will also allow us to make new with them, and second is that the learning curve of how you put together all your data into just one dataset is often too steep for a novice user. So may be a good move.

Best, Sergiy