Recently, I met the same problem, here is my solution:
%macro correct_sas_name(name);
%let flag=%sysfunc(notname(&name));
%do %until(&flag=0);
%let char=%substr(&name,&flag,1);
%let name=%sysfunc(TRANWRD(&name,&char,_));
%let flag=%sysfunc(notname(&name));
%end;
h_&name
%mend;
%let test=SAS#123!34;
%let correct_name=%correct_sas_name(&test);
%put &test;
%put &correct_name;
The LOG:
Have a look at the function nliteral : Converts a character string that you specify to a SAS name literal.
This is good way, thanks.
But, normally this way is not that common.
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.