SPSS Programming and Data Management, 4th Edition: A Guide for ...

19Best Practices and Efficiency TipsUsing INSERT with a Master Command Syntax FileThe INSERT command provides a method for linking multiple syntax files together,making it possible to reuse blocks of command syntax in different projects by using a“master” command syntax file that consists primarily of INSERT commands that referto other command syntax files.ExampleINSERT FILE = "c:\examples\data\prepare data.sps" CD=YES.INSERT FILE = "combine data.sps".INSERT FILE = "do tests.sps".INSERT FILE = "report groups.sps".• Each INSERT command specifies a file that contains SPSS command syntax.• By default, inserted files are read using interactive syntax rules, and eachcommand should end with a period.• The first INSERT command includes the additional specification CD=YES. Thischanges the working directory to the directory included in the file specification,making it possible to use relative (or no) paths on the subsequent INSERTcommands.INSERT versus INCLUDEINSERT is a newer, more powerful and flexible alternative to INCLUDE. Files includedwith INCLUDE must always adhere to batch syntax rules, and command processingstops when the first error in an included file is encountered. You can effectivelyduplicate the INCLUDE behavior with SYNTAX=BATCH and ERROR=STOP on theINSERT command.Defining Global SettingsInadditiontousingINSERT to create modular master command syntax files, youcan define global settings that will enable you to use those same command files fordifferent reports and analyses.