How to use the like operator in sas data step?

[codyV]

Hi,

I have a query where i am using the  if statement and i need to find the string matching the variable given.

if lead_status in ( '%APPROVED',

'%APPROVAL PENDING',

'%SEND TO SALES',

''

      )

And this not reading or working...!

This is in a data step!.

Appreciate your help and genuine support

Thanks

[Tom · Accepted solution]

Either modify your program logic so that you can use a WHERE statement instead of an IF statement.

where (x like '%xxx') or (x like '%yyy') ;

Or use some other method to test the values in your IF statement.

Perhaps you can use PRXMATCH() function instead?

Editor's Note: 

As Reeza noted, the like function is not available for IF conditions, but  rather for WHERE statements. Also including Ksharp's example of PRXMATCH() syntax:

if prxmatch('/APPROVED$|APPROVAL PENDING$|SEND TO SALES$/i',strip(lead_status));

[codyV]

How can i use it in a if statement ? even if i use a where!

[Reeza]

LIKE is not a valid function in an IF statement. You cannot use that function in an IF statement. You can use it in a WHERE statement.

Similar functions that you could use in an IF statement are FIND(), FINDW(), INDEX/W() and Regex.

[Ksharp]

if prxmatch('/APPROVED$|APPROVAL PENDING$|SEND TO SALES$/i',strip(lead_status));