convert large number of text files into SAS all at once

[Jay_TxOAG]

I was lucky enough to attend SAS Macro I and II classes to get a good foundation....but the best advice I received about using macros is: Write it first without macros...just duplicate your code as much as is necessary to get it to work....then go back and put in the macro code a little at a time. Honestly, you can learn a lot from SAS's site and using Google...stay with it. Good luck

[data_null__]

Are the fields the same or similar for all files?

Do you know the field names and data types?

Do you want a single data set in the end. (assuming common fields)?

This paper http://www.lexjansen.com/pharmasug/2011/tt/pharmasug-2011-tt04.pdf includes an example program to read any number of files with common fields.  The fields don't have to exist in all files nor be in any particular column but you do have to to know the field names you want to read and define them as to type.  In other words you will need to know something about the data you are reading but there is no quessing as with PROC IMPORT.