topic macro variable creation for use in data set. in New SAS User

macro variable creation for use in data set.

MaryA_Marion — Wed, 16 Oct 2019 05:32:13 GMT

I am preparing a data set which I will later add (stack) to another. I have the following code:

%global lname state;
%let lname=Churchill;
%let state=VA;
data insert;
LastNamePart=&lname;
state=&state;
run;
proc print; run;

Expected Results are two columns and 1 row
LastNamePart State
Churchill VA

I am getting an error that LastNamePart and state are not initialized.
Proc print is outputing 1 row and 4 variables. 
LastNamePart Churchill State VA

Why? How to fix?

MM

Re: macro variable creation for use in data set.

Kurt_Bremser — Wed, 16 Oct 2019 05:47:34 GMT

When the macro variables are resolved, you get this code:

LastNamePart=Churchill;

The text Churchill is interpreted as a variable name. Add the necessary quotes for string literals to your code:

LastNamePart="&lname";

Re: macro variable creation for use in data set.

MaryA_Marion — Wed, 16 Oct 2019 05:56:16 GMT

I like your explanation. Otherwise, I look for code to implement without knowing why...Thanks. MM