topic Re: %let using macro variable in assignment in SAS Programming

%let using macro variable in assignment

kmoonmurr — Tue, 11 Sep 2018 18:13:31 GMT

I want to create an output dataset using a date suffix.

I am simplifying here and my program is long, but this is a simple problem, I just can't figure it out.

%let = import_date = 20180911.

Later, I name my output dataset:

data baseline_&import_date.;

set temp5;

run;

Result is a dataset called baseline_20180911.

Later, I want to reference this dataset in a bunch of procedures and I don't want to hardcode the name of the dataset into my program.

I also do not want to have to type this long name each time I reference the dataset:

proc freq data=baseline_&import_date.;

table fred;

run;

I want to use a new %let statement before my freqs/means/etc.

%let infile = baseline_&import_date.

proc freq data=&infile;

table fred;

run;

But of course I cannot do this because using this syntax I can't assign a macro with a macro unless I do something more. Not sure what it is though...

Thanks.

Re: %let using macro variable in assignment

Reeza — Tue, 11 Sep 2018 18:16:59 GMT

Look up the SYSLAST automatic macro variable.

After your data set add a line:

%let infile = &syslast.;

Re: %let using macro variable in assignment

Astounding — Tue, 11 Sep 2018 18:27:06 GMT

You can do all the things you are trying to do. However, you need to correct the syntax of the %LET statements. The first one has an extra equal sign and an extra period at the end. And both are missing a semicolon. Other than that, you can certainly use the value of one macro variable when defining a new macro variable:

%let import_date = 20180911;

%let infile = baseline_&import_date.;

Outside of that, is something not working?

Re: %let using macro variable in assignment

Reeza — Tue, 11 Sep 2018 18:28:39 GMT

I think this is the possible flaw in your understanding, except I'm not 100% sure what it means.

But of course I cannot do this because using this syntax I can't assign a macro with a macro unless I do something more. Not sure what it is though...

Re: %let using macro variable in assignment

kmoonmurr — Wed, 12 Sep 2018 14:24:02 GMT

This is a great tip and works - Thanks!

Re: %let using macro variable in assignment

kmoonmurr — Wed, 12 Sep 2018 14:24:48 GMT

Thank you, it works!