String Dummy-like Variable

[William Bradley]

Hello all,

I have two variables, one is called cp_flag (a string variable), that serves as a sort of dummy variable that can only take two values: "C" or "P". I also have another variable called ret, that is a numeric variable. I would like to find the sum of the numeric variable ret, but only when cp_flag is equal to "P". Those anyone know how to do this?

Thanks

[Nick Cox]

Could be

summarize ret if cp_flag == "P", meanonly 
display r(sum)

although I can guess at other interpretations of your question.

[William Bradley]

Yes thank you Nick that works!