Juletip #18: How to Use the Macro Variable Viewer in SAS Enterprise Guide

[ChrisHemedinger]

For this Juletip, let's unwrap a gift that you might have never found or perhaps forgot that you had: the SAS Macro Variable Viewer in SAS Enterprise Guide.

Ever wonder what’s happening behind the scenes with your macro variables? When your SAS programs rely on %LET statements, %SYSFUNC calls, or conditional logic, keeping track of macro values can feel like detective work. Fortunately, SAS Enterprise Guide has a built-in Macro Variable Viewer that makes this easy—and even fun.

SAS Macro Variable Viewer in EG

Why Use the Macro Variable Viewer?

The Macro Variable Viewer is your one-stop shop for inspecting and debugging macro variables without cluttering your log with %PUT statements. Here’s what it can do:

• List all macro variables currently defined in your session.
• Show values instantly—no extra code required.
• Search by name to find what you need fast.
• Evaluate macro expressions using the built-in Macro Expression Quick View.
• Refresh as your program runs.

How to Access It

1. In SAS Enterprise Guide, go to Tools → SAS Macro Variable Viewer.
2. The viewer opens in a separate window, displaying all macro variables in your session. You can keep this window open while you continue to edit and run your SAS programs!

Quick Tips for Using It

• Search for a Macro Variable
  Type part of the name in the search box—like _CLIENTAPP or MYVAR—and the list filters instantly.
  
  
• Check Values Without Code
  Click any macro variable to see its value. No need for %PUT statements.
  
  
• Evaluate Expressions
  Use the Macro Expression Quick View field and test macro functions and values on the fly:

%eval(5+3)

Or here's a more complext example, showing the date 3 weeks from today:

%sysfunc(intnx(week,"&sysdate9"d,3),date9.);

Wrap-Up

Use the Macro Variable Viewer to help debug your programs and check macro output. It saves time and helps you avoid surprises when your macro-driven logic depends on dynamic values.

Next time you’re troubleshooting a macro-heavy program, skip the guesswork. Open the Macro Variable Viewer and take control of your macro environment—fast, easy, and interactive.