How to drop variable that might not exist in given dataset

[Uknown_user]

I would like to write something like this:

data want;

set have (drop=pk_: fk_: bk_:);

run;

The problem occurs when there is no variable that starts with fk_, is it possible to set it conditionally (with out necessity to write macro that checks whether variable exists in a given file)? Thanks

[Reeza]

You can consider turning off the errors generated by the DROP/KEEP statements not listing, see the SAS Options list for the specific command. If you include that statement within the data step it gives a NOTE not an error. Or, as you noted, you can use macro logic. Or, you could use call execute/DO SUBL to generate your code conditionally based on the variables - similar to a macro.

[Astounding]

You can insert this line before your DATA step:

options dkricond=NoWarn;

Then after the DATA step, switch back to the one that you prefer:

options dkricond=Warn;

options dkricond=Error;

Think of this as Drop Keep Rename on Input Condition.