Combining datasets with different variable length using macro

[aayo]

Hello,

I am trying to combine imported datasets using macro but i get warning below

WARNING: Multiple lengths were specified for the variable A by input data set(s). This can cause
truncation of data.

Note that var A has different length format automatically assigned during the import procedure.

below is my code.

%macro combine;
data c;
set
%do i = 1 %to 2;
&library..&&file&i
%end;
;
run;
%mend;
%combine;

[ghosh · Accepted solution]

Explicitly define the lengths of the offending variable(s) to their predetermined maximum value (eg. 60 chars)

%macro combine;
data c;
length problemvar $60;
set
%do i = 1 %to 2;
&library..&&file&i
%end;
;
run;
%mend;
%combine;

[aayo]

This works fine. Thanks much.

[Kurt_Bremser]

Do not fix this here, prevent it when the data is imported in the first place. Do not use proc import, use a custom data step to read data, where you control all variable attributes.

See Maxims 31 and 22. Avoid Excel Files, convert to CSV first.

[aayo]

Hi Kurt,

This is noted.

I have changed my import to data step and made use of csv file.

Thanks.