Importing Datasets in Stata

Importing Datasets in Stata#

Introduction#

Stata supports numerous data formats including .dta, .csv, .xls/.xlsx (Excel), .sav (SPSS), .sas7bdat (SAS), .dbf (dBase), and more. The graphical interface may be used to import data at Menu > File > Import > Text data (delimited, *.csv), but only for local files. It’s advised that you archive the commands Stata outputs onto the results window for your future .do files. Your next project may include remote data, for which only a ready .do file script will work.

1. Importing CSV Files#

Syntax: import delimited
Example:
```
import delimited data.csv, clear
```

2. Importing Excel Files#

Syntax: import excel

Example:

import excel using data.xlsx, firstrow clear

3. Importing SPSS Files#

Syntax: import spss
Example:
```
import spss using data.sav, clear
```

4. Importing SAS Files#

Syntax: import sas
Example:
```
import sas using data.sas7bdat, clear
```

5. Importing dBase Files#

Syntax: import dbase
Example:
```
import dbase using data.dbf, clear
```

6. Importing Text Data in Fixed Format#

Syntax: import fixed
Example:
```
import fixed using data.txt, clear
```

7. Importing Text Data in Fixed Format with a Dictionary#

Syntax: infix using
Example:
```
infix using dictionary.dct
```
A dictionary file (dictionary.dct) specifies the format of your fixed-width file.

8. Importing Unformatted Text Data#

Syntax: import delimited
Example:
```
import delimited data.txt, clear
```

9. Importing SAS XPORT Files#

Syntax: import xport
Example:
```
import delimited data.xpt, clear
```
For .v8xpt and .xpt files, the command remains the same.
- Visit the CDC.gov website to practice importing a .XPT file:
  - DEMO Data from the 2009 survey
  - Use set timeout 1000 if you have poor internet connectivity

10. Importing Data from JDBC Data Sources#

Syntax: jdbc