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VARORDER: Stata module for automatic semantic temporal ordering of variables in wide-format Stata datasets

Author

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  • Hao Ma

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Abstract

varorder automatically detects and reorganizes eligible temporal variable families in wide-format Stata datasets. The module uses semantic information in variable names, variable labels, variable notes, and attached value-label metadata; recognizes supported ordinary, staged, and hierarchical temporal sequences; and normalizes harmless differences in capitalization, separators, punctuation, and leading zeros internally. Attached value labels provide conservative value-domain or construct evidence but do not by themselves assign a variable-level time position. Ambiguous, conflicting, colliding, related but non-temporal, and unsupported cases are left unchanged. Before changing physical variable order, varorder displays one bounded consolidated preview and asks for a single Enter confirmation. This module changes only physical variable order, preserves data and metadata, applies the proposed permutation transactionally, and provides a single-level undo.

Suggested Citation

  • Hao Ma, 2026. "VARORDER: Stata module for automatic semantic temporal ordering of variables in wide-format Stata datasets," Statistical Software Components S459871, Boston College Department of Economics, revised 01 Sep 2026.
    • Handle: RePEc:boc:bocode:s459871
    Note: This module should be installed from within Stata by typing "ssc install varorder". The module is made available under terms of the MIT license (https://opensource.org/licenses/MIT).
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    File URL: http://fmwww.bc.edu/repec/bocode/v/varorder.ado
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    File URL: http://fmwww.bc.edu/repec/bocode/v/varorder.sthlp
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    File URL: http://fmwww.bc.edu/repec/bocode/v/varorder_test.do
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    File URL: http://fmwww.bc.edu/repec/bocode/v/varorder_example.do
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    File URL: http://fmwww.bc.edu/repec/bocode/v/varorder_example_data.dta
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