topic Re: Print macro variable name and value in log via &=mvar in SAS Programming

Print macro variable name and value in log via &=mvar

ScottBass — Mon, 30 Sep 2013 04:13:00 GMT

Hi,

put me on to this new feature in SAS 9.3 via a LinkedIn post.

From the 9.3 SAS doc (see Tip for the %PUT statement):

%let x=1;

%put &=x;

However, can anyone (a little birdie perhaps?) say why this doesn't work?

%let y1=2;

%let i=1;

%put Y&i=&&y&i; * works ;

%put &=y1; * works ;

%put &=y&i; * does not work ;

or my more realistic example (from a macro I'm writing):

%let z1=A;

%let z2=B;

%let z3=C;

%macro test;

%do i=1 %to 3;

%put Z&i=&&z&i; * works ;

%put &=z&i; * does not work ;

%end;

%mend;

%test;

Otherwise, consider this a minor bug report and/or enhancement request.

Re: Print macro variable name and value in log via &=mvar

JerryLeBreton — Mon, 30 Sep 2013 04:30:36 GMT

I think its a "feature".

The doco says: "If you place an equal sign between the ampersand and the macro variable name of a ** direct ** macro variable reference, the macro variable's name displays in the log along with the macro variable's value.

It would be good to be able to an indirect reference though.

Re: Print macro variable name and value in log via &=mvar

MichelleHomes — Mon, 30 Sep 2013 04:54:46 GMT

Hi Scott & Jerry,

Yes it does appear to be a feature for only "direct" macros. Thought I'd reference the documentation page as well (look for the Tip), http://support.sas.com/documentation/cdl/en/mcrolref/64754/HTML/default/viewer.htm#n189qvy83pmkt6n1bq2mmwtyb4oe.htm

Cheers,

Michelle