Image conversion to Base64

[maleman]

I am trying to take an image that's stored in my directory, e.g. '~/' and convert the image into a base64 string using SAS Viya 3.5.  I can convert text strings to base64, but am having issues with actual images.

[ChrisNZ]

Is it a different image you need to encode each time?

[maleman]

There will be different images to encode.  I found out from the solution post that I can utilize the x commands in SAS along with macros to complete what is needed.  Thank you!

[Kurt_Bremser · Accepted solution]

Since most images are larger than what a SAS variable can hold, you're better off using a suitable external utility, most likely base64.

[maleman]

Thank you.  I was able to utilize the x command and write it to a file to accomplish what I needed. 

[Kurt_Bremser]

If you want to reliably automate external commands from SAS, I recommend to not use the X statement, as it gives you no real information about success or nonsuccess (apart from setting &SYSRC).

Instead, use a pipe:

filename oscmd pipe "<your command here> 2>&1";

data _null_;
infile oscmd;
input;
put _infile_;
run;

All output created by the external command(s) will be written to the SAS log. Since the 2>&1 construct reroutes stderr to stdout, all error messages are also caught and preserved.

[Sharkman]

Hi!!! I try the code in the next page that works fine: https://support.selerity.com.au/hc/en-us/articles/223345708-Tip-SAS-and-Base64