topic Re: "Error: Physical File Does Not Exist" when trying to create output file in Programming 1 and 2

"Error: Physical File Does Not Exist" when trying to create output file

Nivi — Fri, 12 Oct 2018 13:38:03 GMT

I'm on Lesson 6 in SAS Essentials, where I am supposed to export a table into a CSV file.

I've followed the instructions exactly (defined the libname to create the output path) and my code has been verified to match the solution. However, I get an error message in the log saying 'Error: Physical File Does Not Exist.' The problem is, of course, that I am trying to create this file, which is why it doesn't exist. I've added the REPLACE tag to my PROC EXPORT call, but this will only apply once there's an actual file to replace.

If I hardcode the exact path

outfile="~/EPG194/output/storm_final.csv"

it works.

(for reference, here's the entire code:

proc export data=pg1.storm_final
outfile="~/EPG194/output/storm_final.csv"
dbms=csv replace;
run;

)

But using

libname outpath "~/EPG194/output";

proc export data=pg1.storm_final
outfile="&outpath/storm_final.csv"
dbms=csv replace;
run;

gives me an error, pointing to a different path

ERROR: Physical file does not exist, /pbr/biconfig/940/Lev1/SASApp/&outpath/storm_final.csv.

Why would there be a discrepancy in which path is being called simply by subbing in a libname call?

Re: "Error: Physical File Does Not Exist" when trying to create output file

Nivi — Fri, 12 Oct 2018 13:43:34 GMT

Never mind. I'm a dolt.

definition was supposed to be

%let outpath=~/EPG194/output;

not

libname outpath "~/EPG194/output";

Amazing what happens when you pay attention to keywords, syntax, and all the little details. My bad.

Re: "Error: Physical File Does Not Exist" when trying to create output file

Panagiotis — Fri, 12 Oct 2018 13:44:51 GMT

No worries! I was in the middle of typing that exact response! I have made that mistake before.

Best way to learn is to make a mistake and then fix it. Nice work!

- Peter