topic Re: SAS Macro Documentation in SAS Programming

SAS Macro Documentation

ssafmed — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 13:32:18 GMT

Hi,

What is the difference between "SAS® Macro Language: Reference"

"Sas Guide to Macro Processing"

Thanks!

Re: SAS Macro Documentation

PeterClemmensen — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 13:34:06 GMT

Can you provide links?

Re: SAS Macro Documentation

AMSAS — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 14:04:20 GMT

SAS® 9.4 Macro Language: Reference, Fifth Edition
Think of the reference as a list of commands/statements and what each one does (like a dictionary defines words)

A guide is a "How to" (back to my dictionary example it would tell you how to put words together to make sentences)
I couldn't find a link to the Macro Guide, but there is this section in the Macro Language Reference (linked above) that I think is what you are asking about
Understanding and Using the Macro Facility

Re: SAS Macro Documentation

ssafmed — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 14:21:33 GMT

SAS 9.4 Macro Language: Reference, Fifth Edition

Sas Guide to Macro Processing : No links

Re: SAS Macro Documentation

PaigeMiller — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 14:31:19 GMT

The link provided, to documentation.sas.com, I believe is the current documentation for SAS 9.4, which should be comprehensive (every macro function/statement/command should be listed). If you want to know what a specific macro function/statement/command does, this is where you look it up.

As stated, a Guide probably gives examples, but is not comprehensive.

Re: SAS Macro Documentation

Quentin — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 15:51:03 GMT

Looks like there was an old v6 "SAS Guide to Macro Processing," https://www.amazon.com/Sas-Guide-Macro-Processing-Version/dp/1555443826 But I couldn't find anything current. You're safe to stick with the docs. And if you want more, check out Art Carpenter's masterpiece: https://www.amazon.com/Carpenters-Complete-Guide-Macro-Language/dp/1629592684/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1671637797&sr=1-1