Insert the parameter of a macro at the beginning of a variable or dataset name

[Demographer]

Hello,

I want to create variables and dataset with a macro. Part of the name of those is one of the parameter of this macro.

When the parameter is located at the end of the name, it works.

Example:

%macro test(year);

data work.bd&year;

variable&years=variable;

run;

%mend test;

%test(2007);

How can I do the same, but with the parameter at the beginningof the name? This doesn't work because the parameter is not recognise:

%macro test(year);

data work.&yearbd;

&yearvariable=variable;

run;

%mend test;

%test(2007);

Thanks

[Ksharp · Accepted solution]

The first letter of a dataset name or variable can't be a digit, it is illegal.

I don't understand why would you want do that.You can use a underline before it to make it legal.

or use options validvarname=any ; to make it happen.

options validvarname=any ;

%macro test(year);

data work._&year.bd ;

"&year.variable"n=1; output;

run;

%mend test;

%test(2007);

Message was edited by: xia keshan

[Demographer]

Thanks. In fact, the problem was the . between the two terms.