How to use a macro variable in index function?

[Shayan2012]

Hi all,

So, I am trying to search for some strings in a text, and I want to use the strings with macro variable so I be able to change the string. However, I am not sure how to use the macro variable in the index function.

For example,I am doing such thing:

%let str=William;

y=index(line,&str);

Is this the correct form since there are no ' ' around the variable &str? I am asking this because I see the SAS does not find the specified string in the text, although I know it is there.

I will be grateful if someone helps me.

Thanks a lot,

[stat_sas]

%let str=William;

y=index(line,"&str");

[jakarman · Accepted solution]

When you are working with text-string in an SAS-macro environment look at the sas-macrofunctions (they all start with a %)

When you are using SAS-macro variables in a sas-datastep  and process those in a string make sure there quotes.   '

The macro-variable itself can contain  quotes

%let str='William';

y=index(line,&str);

or use the double quotes to indicate the & are sasmacro-variables to be resolved. (Single quotes will cause no resolving of macros)

%let str=William;

y=index(line,"&str");

[Shayan2012]

Thanks a lot guys!