Stata Quick Start Guide

Using Stata

Getting started- Some useful commands
  • search = returns the list of commands associated with the specific topic you have entered.
  • help topic = returns the help file for a specific topic you have entered
  • clear removes the dataset that is currently loaded in memory so that you can import a new dataset
Basic commands in Stata
  • Descriptive Statistics: Use “summarize” or “sum” for short.
  • List Observations: “list in ⅕” (lists the first 5 observations)
  • Generate a New Variable: “generate new_var = expression”
  • Rename a Variable: “rename old_var new_var”
  • Drop a Variable: “drop var_nam"
Data Management in Stata
  • Sort Data: “sort var_name”
  • Keep Specific Observations:” keep if condition”
  • Drop Specific Observations: “drop if condition”
  • Merge Datasets: ‘merge 1:1 id_var using "path/to/secondfile.dta"’
Basic Analysis in Stata
  • Regression: “regress y_var x_var”
  • Tabulations: “tabulate var_name”
  • Correlations: “correlate var1 var2”
Graphics in Stata
  • Histogram: “histogram var_name”
  • Scatter plot: “scatter y_var x_var”
Accessing Stata on Parallels
  • Navigate to your Parallels Workspace portal
  • After logging in, you will see a list of available applications. 
  • Locate the Stata icon in the list of applications. 
  • Click on the Stata icon to launch the application. Stata should open in a new window or tab, ready for you to start using it.
Uploading Data to Parallels transfer files between local and Parallels Client virtual desktop:
  • Look for an option within the Parallels interface called "File Access" or "Transfer Files"
  • Choose the file you want to upload from your local machine to the Parallels client virtual desktop
  • Once the file is uploaded, you can access it within Stata for analysis
Importing Data within Parallels:                                                                             
  • Click on the “File” menu -> “Import Data”
  • Choose the appropriate format (e.g, Excel, CSV)
  • Navigate to the location of your uploaded file and select it.
  • Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the import
  • Using Command (for a CSV file as an example): “Import delimited “path/to/your/uploaded/file.csv”
Saving Data within Parallels:                                                                                                            

Once you complete your work or ready to go, save your work within Parallels either using the Stata GUI or commands: 

  • Using the GUI: Click on the “File” menu --> “Save As” Choose a location and name for your file 
  • Using Command: “Save path/to/savefile.dta, replace”;
Downloading Data from Parallels:                                                                                                      

To transfer the Stata file (or any other file) from Parallels to your local machine: Navigate “File Access” or “Transfer Files” Select the file you want to download and follow the on-screen prompts Existing Stata and Parallels Workspace Close Stata as you normally would and make sure to log out from your Parallels workspace. 

Learn more about Stata:          

The University of Toronto provides Stata information, tutorials, and workshops for students at all levels.