call variables using a macro

[Sir_Highbury]

Dear Expert,

I should do a calculation calculate the difference between two variables:

- dataset_201610

- dataset 201609

starting from the point that:

&current.=201610

&prev.=201609

How can I flexibly specify the columns using something like:

data_set_"&current."-data_set_"&prev."?

Thanks a lot in advance,

SH

[PeterClemmensen · Accepted solution]

Like this? Have simply dropped the ""..

data have;
input dataset_201610 dataset_201609;
datalines;
10 5
20 1
;

%let current = 201610;
%let prev    = 201609;

data want;
   set have;
   newvar = dataset_&current-dataset_&prev;
run;