topic Re: Looping the macro in SAS Programming

Looping the macro

nickspencer — Sun, 05 Aug 2018 17:50:50 GMT

Hi,

I have this macro which I need to repeat multiple times so want to loop it instead.

Sample 1:

%macro check_list;
%global list1;
%if list1= % then %do;
%let list1=“myname”;

....

%end;
%mend check_list;
%check_list;

Data test1;
Set list1;
Run;

I need to repeat the same code for list2, list3 and list4 and also create data1, data2 , data3, data4.

I tried to wrap the sample1 Code using.
%macro loop;
%do i = 1 %to 4;

Sample1(replaced list1 with list& and data1 with data&i)

Error: Attempt to %global a name(list2) which exists in a local environment.

Any suggestions ?

Re: Looping the macro

PaigeMiller — Sun, 05 Aug 2018 18:39:24 GMT

@nickspencer wrote:

Any suggestions ?

Yes, show us the actual code and SASLOG that you are using. Run the code again with OPTIONS MPRINT; as the first line and then paste the SASLOG into the {i} window; and paste the actual code into the running man window.

Re: Looping the macro

error_prone — Sun, 05 Aug 2018 17:54:51 GMT

Yes, use the search facility. It has been explained so many times that another repetition is useless. Remember that before you start creating a macro it is wise to have working code.

Re: Looping the macro

art297 — Sun, 05 Aug 2018 21:25:08 GMT

You don't need a global macro variable.

If your code is as basic as in your example then just wrap it in a macro with a %do loop. e.g.:

%macro check_list;
  %do i=1 %to 4;
    Data test&i;
      Set list&i.;
    Run;
  %end;
%mend;

Art, CEO, AnalystFinder.com

Re: Looping the macro

Astounding — Sun, 05 Aug 2018 23:45:36 GMT

Somehow, your code creates a local macro variable named LIST2.

But nobody can help beyond that. It's in your macro code somewhere, and only you can see that code. If you were to share it, you might get a more specific answer.

Re: Looping the macro

ballardw — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 16:17:58 GMT

Do you really need list1 to be global?

Also you can create the macro such that a parameter that you do not explicitly assign has a default value:

Instead of : %macro check_list;

use: %macro(List1=myname);

the Default value of LIST1 inside the macro then becomes myname.

Be extremely careful of quotes as part of macro variables. Often they make coding much harder. The actual code and how LIST1 is used outside of the macro would help.