Can we use dataset name in sequence with : as like in Set Statement to output multiple datasets?

[Thamu17]

Hi,

Just i would like to know, In SET statement we are able to use multiple dataset name which is in sequence like below to create a dataset,

Data C4;

Set C1-C3;

run;

But why cant we use the same in Data step as below to output many Datasets in sequence?

Data C1-C3;

set C4;

if a=1 then output C1;

if a=2 then output C2;

if a=3 then output C3;

run;

[Kurt_Bremser]

Dataset lists are only for existing datasets (whenever they are used, the data step compiler searches for the datasets), so it makes no sense having them in a DATA statement. To automatically create a number of datasets, you need to use the macro language.

[andreas_lds]

Why do you want to distribute the obs in c4? Creating multiple datasets is not necessary and sometimes it will even increase the complexity of following steps.