How to store existing datasets names into variables?

[danfavero]

I have macro which creates multiple datasets and not always the same datasets are created. How can I keep only existing datasets names into a SAS variable and SET all of them together?

For example:

Data A;

      A=1;

Run;

Data C;

      C=1;

Run;

/*Here we will have an error as the dataset B does not exist*/

DATA All_Data;

      Set a b c;

run;

/*My idea was storage all the existing datasets (A and C) and do something like this*/

DATA All_Data;

      Set &existing_datasets.;

run;

How do I read the existing datasets and store their names into a variable?

Thanks in advance.

[novinosrin]

query dictionary tables into maco var and call the macrovar in set statements- your safe bet

[novinosrin]

proc sql;
select memname into :dsnlist separated by ' '
from sashelp.vtable /*or dictionary.tables*/
where libname='YOUR_LIBNAME';/*your lib where the datasets are stored */
quit;

data want;
set &dsnlist;
run;

[Reeza · Accepted solution]

Or use a naming convention. Name all your temporary datasets with _CombinedA, _CombinedB etc

Then when you’re trying to combine the data you can use the wildcard : to set the data.

data want;

set _combined: ;

run;