function dataset_ = initialize_dataset(datafile,varobs,first,nobs,logged_data_flag,prefilter,xls)
% Initializes a structure describing the dataset.
% Copyright (C) 2011-2013 Dynare Team
%
% This file is part of Dynare.
%
% Dynare is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
% it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
% the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
% (at your option) any later version.
%
% Dynare is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
% but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
% MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. See the
% GNU General Public License for more details.
%
% You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
% along with Dynare. If not, see .
if isempty(datafile)
error('Estimation::initialize_dataset: You have to declare a dataset file!')
end
if isempty(varobs)
error('Estimation::initialize_dataset: You have to declare a set of observed variables')
end
% Get raw data.
rawdata = read_variables(datafile,varobs,[],xls.sheet,xls.range);
% Get the (default) number of observations.
if isempty(nobs) || rows(rawdata)