Do-file builder

Project folder

The project folder is Stata’s working directory. Relative paths in the do-file start here.

Use an existing folder. Paths are saved in this browser with the plan; the website cannot check whether a folder exists on your computer.

course-project/
  data/    survey.csv
  code/    analysis.do
  output/

Data file

Choose the format and enter the file’s location. The generated import command reads it when the do-file runs in Stata.

Enter a path relative to the project folder, such as data/survey.csv, or paste the full file path. Include its extension.

Data preparation

Add the operations the analysis needs, in the order they should run. Each step refers to the variable names available at that point.

No preparation steps. Continue if the data are already ready for analysis.

Filters exclude missing values explicitly. Logarithms stop on nonpositive values so an invalid transformation cannot silently change the sample. Original files are not modified.

Analysis specification

Select the analysis and assign variable roles. The choices here determine syntax; the research question and design determine whether the specification is appropriate.

For identification assumptions and alternative specifications, see Method comparison.

Output and review

A single dot uses the project folder. Use output for an existing subfolder, or paste a full folder path.

For example, assignment1 produces assignment1.do, a log when selected, and model or graph files for the selected analysis.

Running the do-file in Stata

1. Download the .do file. Open it in Stata’s Do-file Editor.
2. Check the paths and variable names. Save any data currently held in Stata before running: the import replaces the data in memory.
3. Run the whole file using the editor’s Do action. The local path definitions must run with the commands that use them.
4. If Stata stops, read the first error. Confirm the file location with Finder or File Explorer, and use describe to check variable names and types.

Code is assembled entirely in this browser. These do-files target installed Stata 16 or later; the browser practice engine supports a smaller command set.