This is just one of many little convenient but relatively unknown syntax shortcuts built into the program.Ĭommon operations that change the data set include: COMPUTE, RECODE, RENAME VARIABLES, VARIABLE LABELS, and VALUE LABELS. If you want to be lazy/efficient, you can also just type “exe.” and get the same results. This statement tells the program to carry out whatever you have written. Any operations that involve changing the data set in some way will require the use of the EXECUTE statement at the end of any syntax block. Clicking PASTE will send syntax to the syntax editor window, so you can actually see exactly what the SPSS is about to do for you, based on the program syntax you have just created by clicking all those buttons & ticking all those option boxes and whatnot.Įxecuting commands. If using the point-and-click interface: As a general rule for learning purposes, if you do decide to use this interface, always run your commands by clicking the PASTE button, instead of the OK button. This is handy when you just want to see what’s in a syntax file, but don’t have access to SPSS at the moment. sps file using a plain text program like Notepad (Windows) or TextEdit (Mac). Also note that you can also view the contents of any. You can save syntax files to your hard drive as. It will auto-update as you write new statements and commands in the main window on the right hand side. The left hand side shows a short list of the major commands in your syntax program. This will open up a blank syntax window that you can begin to write into. Starting new syntax: To open a new syntax editor window, click FILE –> NEW –> SYNTAX.