topic Re: define a macro parameter that can get a list of values in SAS Programming

define a macro parameter that can get a list of values

Ronein — Sat, 26 Mar 2022 16:14:24 GMT

Hello

What is the way to define a macro parameter that can get a list of values?


%macro RRR(nr_Cylinders);
Data wanted;
Set SASHELP.CARS;
Where Cylinders in (&nr_Cylinders.);
Run;
%mend;
%RRR(4)
%RRR(4,5)    /**Here get an error. Question: How to define a macro parameter that can get a list of values???***/

Re: define a macro parameter that can get a list of values

ErikLund_Jensen — Sat, 26 Mar 2022 16:17:39 GMT

Hi @Ronein

A macro doesn't accet the IN-operator unless it is specified with the macro definition:

%macro macroname(parm) / minoperator;

Re: define a macro parameter that can get a list of values

Ronein — Sat, 26 Mar 2022 16:20:58 GMT

But IF there is one element then the IN is working(%RRR(4) is working well)

Re: define a macro parameter that can get a list of values

Kurt_Bremser — Sat, 26 Mar 2022 16:27:41 GMT

What happens when you call the macro like this:

%RRR(4 5)

Re: define a macro parameter that can get a list of values

Ronein — Sat, 26 Mar 2022 16:29:33 GMT

MAy you please show the full code? I would like to test it via sas

Re: define a macro parameter that can get a list of values

Tom — Sat, 26 Mar 2022 18:17:34 GMT

Just don't add the comma. The comma tells the macro language you are passing values for two parameters.

The IN operator does not care whether you use spaces or commas between the values.

Re: define a macro parameter that can get a list of values

ErikLund_Jensen — Sun, 27 Mar 2022 07:29:50 GMT

Hi @Ronein

Sorry, you are right. As you are not using the IN operator in macro code, but in a data step inside the macro, the options is unnecessary, though is does no harm.

A single parameter with two elements can be passed to the macro by separating the values with a blank, while a comma is used to separate two different parameters to the macro. It is also possible to quote a parameter, so it can contain a comma, so all these are valid:

%macro RRR(nr_Cylinders);
  Data wanted;
    Set SASHELP.CARS;
    Where Cylinders in (&nr_Cylinders.);
  Run;
%mend;
%RRR(4);
%RRR(4 5);
%RRR(%quote(4,5));

Re: define a macro parameter that can get a list of values

Ronein — Sun, 27 Mar 2022 19:48:11 GMT

With comma it works well