topic Re: What are the naming rules for Proc FCMP functions? in SAS Programming

What are the naming rules for Proc FCMP functions?

kwyland1 — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 20:43:11 GMT

Others have posted here about why certain function names don't work. It is suggested you can't use a reserved name.

The solution to one problem was posted as 'Well I don't know why' - just use a different function name.

I get that. Like the sample below, 'convert' does not work but _convert would.

But I would like some reference to know what the naming rules are. I've searched for days - any help appreciated.

Example:

%let outlib = work;

* Example 2: Return a Character Value;

proc fcmp outlib=&outlib..functions.conversions;

*function lb2kgC(lb) $; *--this works;

function convert(lb) $; *-- this does NOT work;

length kg $10;

kg = catt(put((lb/2.2),6.2),'Kg');

return (kg);

endsub;

run;

Re: What are the naming rules for Proc FCMP functions?

sbxkoenk — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 21:56:32 GMT

Don't use the name of a procedure.
Don't use the name of a statement (PROC EXPAND has a CONVERT statement).
Don't use this list of reserved words (it's for the macro facility, but I would say it's just safe to avoid these reserved words everywhere).

SAS 9.4 / Viya 3.5 Macro Language Reference
Reserved Words
https://go.documentation.sas.com/doc/en/pgmsascdc/9.4_3.5/mcrolref/p0y43hj7lzhq1gn1r68h65wzljbt.htm

Don't start function name with a number
No special characters and no spaces

Koen

Re: What are the naming rules for Proc FCMP functions?

Reeza — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 22:11:32 GMT

FYI - if you have a paid SAS license this seems like a good question to ask tech support.

Re: What are the naming rules for Proc FCMP functions?

kwyland1 — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 18:47:48 GMT

I do - was just trying out communities first

Re: What are the naming rules for Proc FCMP functions?

kwyland1 — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 18:51:08 GMT

I think I will shoot my code to TS. The reserved words list for Macros doesn't have the one I tried which is convert. Also tried conv_. Bellies up. If I get a response from TS that anyone could benefit from, I'll post it here. Thanks.