spss.StartDataStep Function (Python)

spss.StartDataStep(). Signals the beginning of a data step. A data step allows you to create and manage multiple datasets.

• You cannot use the following classes and functions within a data step: the Cursor class, the BasePivotTable class, the BaseProcedure class, the TextBlock class, the StartProcedure function, the Submit function, and the StartDataStep function (data steps cannot be nested).
• The StartDataStep function cannot be used if there are pending transformations. If you need to access case data in the presence of pending transformations, use the Cursor class.
• To end a data step, use the EndDataStep function.

For an example of using StartDataStep, see the topic on the Dataset class.

To avoid the need to check for pending transformations before starting a data step, use the DataStep class. It implicitly starts and ends a data step and executes any pending transformations.