topic Re: Macro call without semi-column? in SAS Programming

Macro call without semi-column?

xxformat_com — Tue, 29 Jun 2021 18:42:34 GMT

Hi,

I've heard for the first time during a SAS Institute webinar that no semi-column should be used after a macro call. The reason is that it would occasionally create a bug. I've programmed over 20 years in SAS using a semi-column without encountering any issue. Do you know about more about this rule? Was it always the case? Do you have an example of issue?

Kind Regards,

Re: Macro call without semi-column?

PaigeMiller — Tue, 29 Jun 2021 18:49:58 GMT

I have heard this, and I never use a semi-colon after a macro call.

However, I cannot provide an example where the semi-colon after the macro call causes a problem.

Re: Macro call without semi-column?

Tom — Tue, 29 Jun 2021 18:53:43 GMT

The rule is that you cannot insert a sem-colon into the middle of a statement.

But extra semi-colons between statements normally does not cause any trouble (which is probably why you have not had any issues).

So if the macro generates only part of statement (some times call macro functions) then adding a semi-colon after the macro function call would insert the semi-colon into the middle of the statement.

Re: Macro call without semi-column?

Kurt_Bremser — Tue, 29 Jun 2021 19:14:54 GMT

See this:

%macro datasets;
%do y = 2000 %to 2021;
  ds_&y.
%end;
%mend;

data want;
set
  %datasets; /* this semicolon causes trouble */
  indsname=ds
;
dsname = ds;
run;

Re: Macro call without semi-column?

xxformat_com — Tue, 29 Jun 2021 19:38:14 GMT

Thanks Kurt. Thanks Tom. I see now.
I never use a macro call directly within a data step, procedure or global statement. I only use it as standalone or within quotes in a put statement/call execute routine. So it explains it all.

Re: Macro call without semi-column?

xxformat_com — Tue, 29 Jun 2021 19:38:40 GMT

Thanks Tom