DATE

DATE generates date identification variables. You can use these variables to label plots and other output, establish periodicity, and distinguish between historical, validation, and forecasting periods.

DATE  keyword [starting value [periodicity]]

      [keyword [starting value [periodicity]]]

      [BY increment]

Table 1. Keywords for long time periods
Keyword	Abbreviation	Default starting value	Default periodicity
`YEAR`	`Y`	1	none
`QUARTER`	`Q`	1	4
`MONTH`	`M`	1	12

Table 2. Keywords for short time periods
Keyword	Abbreviation	Default starting value	Default periodicity
`WEEK`	`W`	1	none
`DAY`	`D`	1	7
`HOUR`	`H`	0	24
`MINUTE`	`MI`	0	60
`SECOND`	`S`	0	60

Table 3. Keywords for any time periods
Keyword	Abbreviation	Default starting value	Default periodicity
`CYCLE`	`C`	1	none
`OBS`	`O`	none	none

This command reads the active dataset and causes execution of any pending commands. See the topic Command Order for more information.

The DATE command can be executed from the Define Dates dialog.

Example

DATE Y 1960 M.