how to remove a prefix from every variable name in a dataset

[chandler]

I have a bunch of datasets that have been recreated on a new server.  However, the variable names now have a four letter prefix (table name_variable name).

In order for my legacy programs to read these datasets in the new server, I want to rename to variables to display without the table name prefix, thus, saving me from recoding all of my programs.

[Tom]

Use the RENAME statement (which will work for actual SAS datasets).

Get the list of variables. Generate the RENAME statement.  

You do them all at once by using PROC DATASETS.

proc contents data=mylib._all_ noprint out=contents; run;

filename code temp;
data _null_;
  set contents;
  by memname;
  file code;
  if first.memname then put 'modify ' memname ';' / @3 'rename ' ;
  length old new $70 ;
  old=nliteral(name);
  new=nliteral(substr(name,5));
  put @5 old '=' new ;
  if last.memname then put @3 ';' / 'run;' ;
run;

proc datasets nolist lib=mylib;
%include code / source2;
quit;