Hello, I just wanted to be sure that I cannot use SAS variables in an IN operator in a Data Step?
Let's say that I have 3 SAS variables:
a = 'Mazda';
b = 'Kia';
c = 'Nissan';
if MAKE in (a, b, c);
I get a syntax error.
I know I can write as literals:
if MAKE in ('Mazda', 'Kia', 'Nissan');
I wanted to verify that using SAS variable is not possible in a DATA step. Thanks.
Two work arounds.
The IN operator works with an ARRAY reference.
array makes a b c;
if make in makes ;
Use the WHICHC() function.
if whichc(make,of a b c) ;
The error message does not mention that you can use a variable, so you can't use a variable.
Are you ready for the spotlight? We're accepting content ideas for SAS Innovate 2025 to be held May 6-9 in Orlando, FL. The call is open until September 25. Read more here about why you should contribute and what is in it for you!
Learn how use the CAT functions in SAS to join values from multiple variables into a single value.
Find more tutorials on the SAS Users YouTube channel.