topic How to use macro variable that created using CALL SYMPUT in another macro step in Advanced Programming

How to use macro variable that created using CALL SYMPUT in another macro step

_el_doredo — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 20:50:35 GMT

I have created a macro variable using CALL SYMPUT in data step... I need to use that macro variable in another macro program in IF-ELSE condition with out using SYMGET... How to get the result?

my call symput program is

Data syed;
set sashelp.class;
if age >=13 then CALL SYMPUT('status','adult');
else CALL SYMPUT('stat','minor);
RUN;

I got the value for this macro variable using SYMGET function in data step.. -- This method is working fine

DATA ibbu;
SET sashelp.class;
if Age>=13 then status=SYMGET('status');
else status =SYMGET('stat');
RUN;

i need to achieve the same result in macro program in if else statement without using SYMGET... how to achieve this?

i tried this way... it didn't work for me...

%macro ibrahim;
data ibbu;
set sashelp.class;
%If Age>=13 %then %do; status= "&status" ; %end;
%else %if Age<13 %then %do; status= "&stat"; %end;
%mend ibrahim;
%ibrahim;

As per Condition it is not working.. It set all value of status to "adult". Can someone guide me on this one?

Re: How to use macro variable that created using CALL SYMPUT in another macro step

SASJedi — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 19:12:30 GMT

I can't see what you are hoping to accomplish with your macro code. Remember, MACRO programs are used to write DATA steps. It's the DATA step program that processes the data. Before the DATA step can run, the MACRO must have already finished writing it. So I'm not seeing what it is your macro code is trying to accomplish. Can you describe the result you want?

Re: How to use macro variable that created using CALL SYMPUT in another macro step

CarmineVerrell — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 19:14:00 GMT

Hello,

Unfortunately, the way you are using macros will not work. Can you please be specific in what you are trying to accomplish? This will help in guiding you as the code you provide is confusing.

Just curious, have you thought of taking the SAS Macro Training?

Re: How to use macro variable that created using CALL SYMPUT in another macro step

_el_doredo — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 19:18:56 GMT

Sorry for the confusion here... I got my answer.. It's the percentage sign causing the issue for me... If i remove percentage sign in data step means it worked for me... Thanks for your response

Re: How to use macro variable that created using CALL SYMPUT in another macro step

Tom — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 19:21:26 GMT

@_el_doredo wrote:
Sorry for the confusion here... I got my answer.. It's the percentage sign causing the issue for me... If i remove percentage sign in data step means it worked for me... Thanks for your response

Do you mean that you reverted you program just use normal IF/THEN statements instead of trying to use %IF/%THEN macro statements?

Re: How to use macro variable that created using CALL SYMPUT in another macro step

_el_doredo — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 19:25:12 GMT

Yeah exactly like this. I am in learning phase... but,this method worked for me

%macro ibrahim;
data ibbu;
set sashelp.class;
If Age>=13 then do; status= "&status" ; end;
else do; status= "&stat"; end;
%mend ibrahim;
%ibrahim;

Re: How to use macro variable that created using CALL SYMPUT in another macro step

CarmineVerrell — Tue, 02 Feb 2021 12:26:41 GMT

I would highly recommend taking the SAS Macro Language 1: Essentials course as it will explain all the concepts that are confusing you and show you how to create a data-driven program. Great course and very useful.

Carmine

Re: How to use macro variable that created using CALL SYMPUT in another macro step

_el_doredo — Tue, 02 Feb 2021 12:30:25 GMT

Yeah sure.. It will be helpful for me to learn more about SAS macros.. Thanks for your suggestion

Re: How to use macro variable that created using CALL SYMPUT in another macro step

himself — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 12:02:28 GMT

Hi , this reminds me my first time to use Macro, I didn't understand the difference between %if -%then and if- then

kindly find my findings:

1. '%if-%then' can ONLY be used in the MACRO program (whether inside the DATA step, or outside) and 'if-then' is ONLY used inside the DATA step (whether MACRO or non-MACRO).

2.In the DATA step, you can use 'if alone to do logical comparison. But you can not use '%if alone. You also can not use '%else' alone without '%do; %end' pair.

3.'%if-%then' uses MACRO variables in logical expressions and can not refer to DATA step variables in logical expressions (you can not write: %if x=l %then %do; because x is not a MACRO variable), while 'if-then' can use MACRO variables or use DATA step variables in logical expressions.

4.'%if-%then' in MACRO determines what text should be copied to the input stack. When you use 'if-then' inside a MACRO (or non-MACRO), it does logical comparison to determine what DATA step statements should be executed.

Hope this helps, thanks@_el_doredo