APPLY DICTIONARY FROM='filename'.
APPLY DICTIONARY applies the variable labels, value labels, and missing values from variables in a system file to corresponding variables in the active file. In some cases it also updates the weighting variable.
Specify a system file with a file name string or as a file handle (see FILE HANDLE). The dictionary in the system file will be read, but it will not replace the active file dictionary. The system file's data will not be read.
Only variables with names that exist in both the active file and the system file are considered. Variables with the same name but different types (numeric, string) will cause an error message. Otherwise, the system file variables' attributes will replace those in their matching active file variables, as described below.
If a system file variable has a variable label, then it will replace the active file variable's variable label. If the system file variable does not have a variable label, then the active file variable's variable label, if any, will be retained.
If the active file variable is numeric or short string, then value labels and missing values, if any, will be copied to the active file variable. If the system file variable does not have value labels or missing values, then those in the active file variable, if any, will not be disturbed.
Finally, weighting of the active file is updated (see WEIGHT). If the active file has a weighting variable, and the system file does not, or if the weighting variable in the system file does not exist in the active file, then the active file weighting variable, if any, is retained. Otherwise, the weighting variable in the system file becomes the active file weighting variable.
APPLY DICTIONARY takes effect immediately. It does not read the active file. The system file is not modified.