Working with Syntax

You can save and automate many common tasks by using the powerful command language. It also provides some functionality not found in the menus and dialog boxes. Most commands are accessible from the menus and dialog boxes. However, some commands and options are available only by using the command language. The command language also allows you to save your jobs in a syntax file so that you can repeat your analysis at a later date.

A command syntax file is simply a text file that contains IBM® SPSS® Statistics syntax commands. You can open a syntax window and type commands directly, but it is often easier to let the dialog boxes do some or all of the work for you.

The examples in this chapter use the data file demo.sav. See the topic Sample Files for more information.

Note: Command syntax is not available with the Student Version.

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