how to represent variables starting with same word in a single variable in SAS 9.3

[Ragesh]

Hi All,

In our project we have a variable starting with Wk_1 to Wk_100.

We have to represent it in a single variable in a data step. we have to read all the variables that starts with Wk

Our code goes like this

data test1;

set test2;

keep col1 col2 Wk_:;

run;

This works fine in SAS 9.1.3 but it throws error in SAS 9.3

Could anyone suggest an alternative for this.

[MohammadFayaz]

Hi,

Example 3 in this paper may help you to find your answer : Use the Full Power of SAS® in Your Function-Style Macros

[data_null__]

The syntax looks correct.  What is the error?

[Ragesh]

The variables are not getting resolved in SAS 9.3

It is getting resolved in SAS 9.1.3.

[esjackso]

Thats interesting I would have thought it was the other way around ... I thought the colon abbreviation is relative new addition to the code base like in version 9.2.

I use the colon shortcut all the time in 9.3.

EJ

[data_null__]

But you didn't show the error message.  "not getting resolved" is not an error message.

[Cynthia_sas]

Hi:

  If you have something that works in one version of SAS, but not in another version of SAS, your best resource is to open a track with Tech Support. The doc for SAS 9.3 references name prefix lists as being valid SAS(R) 9.3 Language Reference: Concepts, Second Edition and so, Tech Support has both versions (9.1.3 and 9.3) in which to test your code.

  To open a track with Tech Support, you can go to support.sas.com and click on the link for "Submit a Problem" on the left hand navigation pane.

cynthia