SET data set if exists

[Ronein]

Hello,

I want to create a new data set using set statement.

IF the data set dosn't exit then I want that nothing will be done(data set will not created) and there will not be an error.

The error is 

NOTE: Line generated by the invoked macro "IF_EXIST_OLD".
31          r_r.Panel
            ____________________________
            557
ERROR: DATA STEP Component Object failure.  Aborted during the COMPILATION phase.
ERROR 557-185: Variable r_r is not an object.

%macro if_exist_old;
%if %sysfunc(exist(r_r.Panel)) %then r_r.Panel;
%mend;
Data r_r.Backup;
%if_exist_old;
Run;

[PaigeMiller]

You don't have a SET statement in your code.

This is why we advise people to create working SAS code without macros before you try to write a macro. In this case, you need working SAS code for the case where the data set exists, and also working code for the case where the data set doesn't exist. If you had this, you would have a much better chance of achieving your goal of creating code for these situations.

[Kurt_Bremser]

You can do it without a macro nowadays:

data r_r.backup;
set
%if %sysfunc(exist(r_r.panel))
%then %do;
  r_r.panel
%end;
;
run;

[PaigeMiller]

---

@Kurt_Bremser wrote:

You can do it without a macro nowadays:

data r_r.backup;
set
%if %sysfunc(exist(r_r.panel))
%then %do;
  r_r.panel
%end;
;
run;

---

I don't believe that the OP has SAS 9.4 TS1M5 which I think is required for this to work.

[Reeza]

That will technically create an empty data set.

[Reeza]

Modify this example to do your SET instead of PRINT.
https://documentation.sas.com/doc/en/pgmsascdc/9.4_3.5/mcrolref/p011imau3tm4jen1us2a45cyenz9.htm

[Patrick]

---

@Kurt_Bremser wrote:

You can do it without a macro nowadays:

data r_r.backup;
set
%if %sysfunc(exist(r_r.panel))
%then %do;
  r_r.panel
%end;
;
run;

---

@Kurt_Bremser You definitely haven't tested this code. In my environment an "empty" set statement uses _last_ - and using EG there is always a _last_. And with SET also in the macro condition an empty data set gets created.

[Kurt_Bremser]

I was only showing use of macro code, without regard for the validity of the created code.

[andreas_lds]

I am sure you can adept the solution provided provided in your older thread: https://communities.sas.com/t5/SAS-Programming/SET-data-sets-IF-exits/m-p/754937#M238173

[Ronein]

Hello,

The target is :

IF data set ABC exist then create a new data set called wanted (using SET statement).

IF data set ABC doesnt exist then do nothing! (No create empty data set).

I  run this code and get a strange results.

Data set ABC doesn't exist but I get a data set wanted with following columns

%macro if_exist_old;
%if %sysfunc(exist(ABC)) %then ABC;
%mend;
Data wanted;
SET
%if_exist_old;
Run;

[Kurt_Bremser]

You need to enclose the whole data step in the macro %IF %THEN %DO - %END block.

[Ronein]

Sorry I didn't understand the problem, may you please show the code

[Kurt_Bremser]

You already made such code yourself in your other thread (way 1).

[Ronein]

Yes but my question was why way2 is not working well and what is this data set that was created?

[Kurt_Bremser]

---

@Ronein wrote:
Yes but my question was why way2 is not working well and what is this data set that was created?

---

Read @Patrick 's post for the details.