Generating the sum for all variables in panel

[Guest]

Dear Community,

I'm currently working with a panel. Every variable var1 has the indicator var2 which doesn't change over time. I would like to calculate the sum of these indicators without taking into accoun the fact that var1 and var2 repeat over time. The problem is when I type

gen wanted=sum(var2) it takes repeated values into account

When I type:
bysort var1: egen wanted=total(var2) I have the sum for every category and it is not what I want to achieve.

Please help me. I'm out of the ideas.

[Øyvind Snilsberg]

bysort var1: gen x = var2 if _n==1
egen wanted = total(x)

[Guest]

Thank you for your answer. Unfortunately I see "invalid" syntax. Has it something to do with the fact that my var1 is string and var2 is double?

[Øyvind Snilsberg]

that shouldn't matter. can you show example data?

[Guest]

Unfortunately not because data is sensitive. It comes from the social survey. May it be the case that I didn't create the panel actually because I didn't need a regression. I just wanted to see and calculate how some measures relate to each others. Make graphs etc. If I create ID and set it up as the panel should it work?

[Øyvind Snilsberg]

I understand. please do one or both of the following: 1) say exactly what you typed and exactly what Stata typed in response, 2) demonstrate the problem using simulated data.

[Guest]

Shame on me. I had a typo at if _n==1. Instead "==" I put" =". It ofc works!
Thank you for your help!