Datafile line qualifiers

Purpose

Qualifiers modify the operation of ASReml. There are a large number of qualifiers, most are relevant to particular circumstances.
Qualifiers generally need to be specified in the correct context. Conseqently, 'data line' qualifiers must be on the line that specifies the data file, or on immediately following lines but before the model line. These are the only qualifiers that may be put on a separate line.

Definition

A qualifier is recognised as a letter sequence preceded by an explanation mark. Generally, the first three letters are sufficient to specify a qualifier although using the full name will normally make the job clearer to understand.

Some qualifiers have no argument. Most have a default argument. A few have multiple arguments.
An argument of '0' (zero) is normally equivalent to not specifying the qualifier.

Location

These datafile line qualifiers are placed either on the line that specifies the name of the data file, or on immediately following lines. A few, particularly those with multiple arguments like !CONTRAST, !MBF, !PVAL, !SPLINE, !SUBSET must be put on separate lines by themselves.

See Also