Reading from sashelp.vcolumn is taking too long

[data_null__]

You don't need sashelp.vcolumn or dictionary.columns or PROC CONTENTS for this task.  You can use VNEXT to put the name row and in the same data step put the observations.

data _null_; 
   set SASHELP.class; 
   file log dlm='|' dsd; 
   if _n_ eq 1 then link names; 
   put (_all_)(:); 
   return; 
names: 
   length _name_ $32; 
   do while(1); 
      call vnext(_name_); 
      if upcase(_name_) eq '_NAME_' then leave; 
      put _name_ : @; 
      end; 
   put; 
   return; 
   run; 

[mediaeval]

Hi data _null_, how do you format your code when posting to the forum?

[RW9]

Is the code written like that in your SAS window, if so then format there and then copy to notepad and then to this window, also you can use the advanced editor top right of the edit window.

As for your slowdowns, could be any number of things.  How is SAS installed, locally, network, virtual, what speeds are the networks running at, how much ram on the server etc.  I would run through the executing process with your SAS/Network people to see why you are getting such speeds, its probably something simple, for instance we were getting terrible speeds sometime back, there was a syncronisation program running which was interfering with read/write on files.

[data_null__]

From SAS EG program editor window.  Right click on the program and choose "Copy HTML source to clipboard"

In this forum's reply editor window click HTML (toggle HTML mode).  Then paste and click HTML to toggle back.

[jakarman]

@mediaeval for the performance try to understand what you are causing in the system. See my previous post(s).

[mediaeval]

Thanks everyone for taking the time to answer. In the end I used Quentin's solution and runtimes have reduced from 10 minutes or so to just under 3 minutes.