topic Re: set the ERROR detection macro variable, why do we need this in SAS Programming

set the ERROR detection macro variable, why do we need this

Bal23 — Tue, 09 May 2017 13:34:23 GMT

%let _EFIERR_ = 0; /* set the ERROR detection macro variable */

would anybody explain why do we need this? If we do not have this, what will happen? Thanks

Re: set the ERROR detection macro variable, why do we need this

Kurt_Bremser — Tue, 09 May 2017 14:00:22 GMT

To answer this question, we need to know the context. (Re)Setting such automatic macro variables can and does make sense in certain situations.

So where have you encountered this statement?

Re: set the ERROR detection macro variable, why do we need this

RW9 — Tue, 09 May 2017 14:04:06 GMT

Think of it this way.

Datastep 1 runs and fails, error code set to 1.

Datastep 2 runs and passes, but error code still 1.

Hence why you reset the error macro at the point you want.

Re: set the ERROR detection macro variable, why do we need this

Tom — Tue, 09 May 2017 14:07:29 GMT

Normally you see that line in code generated by PROC IMPORT. When reading from a text file PROC IMPORT is essentially an SCL program that analyzes the text file and generates a data step to read it. The generated data step will update that macro variable if there are any errors. So then the PROC can detect the updated macro variable and report the error.

Re: set the ERROR detection macro variable, why do we need this

art297 — Tue, 09 May 2017 14:10:51 GMT

If you're asking the question "Does one need to include a line of code like that when we manually rerun code that was produced by proc import or export?" the answer is absolutely not.

Art, CEO, AnalystFinder.com