Selection of variables in a PROC SQL

[sasuser_8]

From this example,

PROC SQL;

SELECT
CODE_VAR1,
CODE_VAR2,
CODE_VAR3,
CODE_VAR4,
CODE_VAR5,
VAR1,
VAR2,
VAR3,
VAR4,
VAR5

FROM SALE;

QUIT;
RUN; 

I would like to know if it is possible not to repeat the name of the variables, as we can do with a KEEP in a DATA step: CODE_VAR1-CODE_VAR15  VAR1-VAR5  ?

[A_Kh]

Hi, 
I think this paper can answer your question. 

[SASKiwi · Accepted solution]

Just add a KEEP = option to your SALE dataset and change your SELECT to SELECT *.

[Reeza]

See my answer here under the FEEDBACK option.

https://communities.sas.com/t5/SAS-Programming/Feedback-Option-in-Proc-SQL/td-p/419909

[PaigeMiller]

Why would you want to use SQL to select specific columns from an existing data set and do nothing else in SQL?

If you are planning to run the data through another PROC after SQL.

proc means data=sale(keep=code_var1-code_var5 var1-var5);
/* More PROC MEANS code */
run;

As always, context is important, the best approach depends on context, and you haven't given us the slightest hint about why you are doing this.