How to create a macro variable equal to %vs%

[Macro]

I use following to create a macro variable pattern so that it equals to %vs%:

%let pattern=%nrstr(%vs%);

%put pattern =&pattern;

But SAS gives error and warning:

WARNING: The quoted string currently being processed has become more than 262 characters long.  You might have unbalanced quotation marks.

How to achieve the desired result?

[FriedEgg]

%let pattern=%nrstr(%%vs%%);

%put pattern=&pattern.;

pattern=%vs%

[Macro]

Note that %nrstr() will mask % sign, then why do we need doulbe percent sign like %% to achieve a %??

[FriedEgg · Accepted solution]

The real issue is the second %.  The way %nrstr works, as vs% it will assume you are masking the ) sign on %nrstr(%vs%) and thus leave you with open code.

You could do any of the following:

%let pattern=%nrstr(%vs% );

%let pattern=%nrstr(%vs%%);

%let pattern=%nrstr(%%vs%%);

I prefer the last one...

[Macro]

Thanks very much, very good explanation.

[Macro]

Also why do we need a dot after &pattern?

[FriedEgg]

You do not "need" it.  You could just consider it my personal preference for coding style.