Loop through value label

[Stephen Okiya]

Hi Stata users,

I would like to generate a new variable based on the contents of a value label. Below is an example am trying to come up with so that I can replicate in my dataset

    sysuse auto, clear

    gen dum = .
    levelsof foreign, local(levels)
    foreach l of local levels {
        di "`: label (foreign) `l''"
        replace dum = 0 if inlist("`: label (foreign) `l''", "Domestic")
        replace dum = 1 if inlist("`: label (foreign) `l''", "Foreign")
     }

The idea is to create a new variable if a string is part of a value label.

Thanks in advance!

[Nick Cox]

I'd decode and then test for a string.

[Stephen Okiya]

Thanks Nick Cox for the idea. I am wondering whether the alternative is computationally efficient for someone working with about 100 files of population surveys one of the countries being India

[daniel klein]

If you want to match the exact text in the value label, something like

generate byte indicator = foreign == "Domestic":origin

is possible. Otherwise, Nick's advice is probably the best approach.

[Stephen Okiya]

Thanks so much daniel klein for your proposed approach. Actually I finally found a solution in line with my original code that I'll share in the next post

[Stephen Okiya]

First, I would like to apologize since the example I used may not be capable of representing the complex challenge I was addressing. The aim is to standardize response on level of education for different countries that may be in English or French. That's why

inlist

would come in handy. However, the example still forms a foundation to achieving my desired goal.
Below is a code with my desired

    sysuse auto, clear
    
    gen dum = .
    levelsof foreign, local(levels)
    foreach l of local levels {
        di "`: label (foreign) `l''"
        
        replace dum = 0 if foreign == `l' & inlist("`: label (foreign) `l''", "Domestic")
        replace dum = 1 if foreign == `l' & inlist("`: label (foreign) `l''", "Foreign")
     }
     
     ta foreign dum

Thanks all who have taken their precious time to assist me. I sincerely appreciate.