How do I use macro variable to determine number of columns in a data set?

[eyao]

Hi All,

I would like to use a macro variable to determine the number of columns in a data set. I've tried looking up the syntax but can't seem to find it. Any help would be appreciated.

[ballardw]

There is no need for a macro. The following Proc SQL code will display the number in results:

proc sql;
   select nvar
   from dictionary.tables
   where libname='SASHELP' and memname='CLASS';
quit;

If you want the result in a data set then preface the select NVAR with : create table yourtablename as

Or in a data step:

data want;
   set sashelp.vtable (where=(libname='SASHELP' and memname='CLASS'));
   keep nvar;
run;

The SQL version may run faster depending on how many libraries, number of data sets and locations of the libraries.

[Ksharp]

%let dsid=%sysfunc(open(sashelp.class));
%let nvars=%sysfunc(attrn(&dsid,nvars));
%let dsid=%sysfunc(close(&dsid));

%put &nvars;