topic Re: proc metalib? in SAS Procedures

proc metalib?

deleted_user — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 13:41:15 GMT

Can anyone help me use this procedure?

I am trying to replace a dataset on a metdata library with a dataset currently in the work directory. They have the same fields but will have slightly different number of rows.

Sounds simple but I can't do it using a simple datastep, it says I don't have permission and I should use a proc metalib. Message was edited by: cstanyer

Re: proc metalib?

sbb — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:19:19 GMT

SAS support site - Google advanced search argument below generates several matching documents for review/consideration:

"proc metalib" site:sas.com

Scott Barry
SBBWorks, Inc.

Re: proc metalib?

Patrick — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 08:33:58 GMT

From what you describe I don't think Proc Metalib is what you're aiming for.

Proc Metalib synchronises physical SAS tables with Metadata definitions for SAS tables.

Metadata contains only data about data - in the case of a SAS table the metadata would be things like: In what library is the table, what variables with what formats, informats,... are in it, etc.

Therefore something like a "dataset on a metadata library" can't be; there is only a metadata table definition pointing to a physical SAS table.

As long as you can access the physical SAS table directly (libname myds 'path where target SAS table is stored';) you can ignore the metadata at all for what you want to do.

HTH
Patrick