htmldecode function in open code

[UdayGuntupalli]

All,
    Wondering whats wrong in the open code that I am trying here: 

    The following works in a data step 

Data Test; 
	x1 = 'not a <tag>';
	x2 = htmldecode(x1);
Run; 

   
   However, when I move away from a datastep into open code, this fails(does not return an error, but does not have the desired impact. desired impact/result is demonstrated in data step): 

%Global x1 x2; 
%let x1 = 'not a <tag>';
%Put &x1;
%let x2 = htmldecode(&x1); 

   
  Can somebody kindly explain why ? The desired output is demonstrated in the data step. 

[ChrisBrooks · Accepted solution]

The htmlencode function is a data step function. If you want this to work in open (or macro) code you need to wrap it inside a %sysfunc call e.g.

%Global x1 x2; 
%let x1 = 'not a <tag>';
%Put &x1;
%let x2 = %sysfunc(htmldecode(&x1));
%put &x2; 

You can find more details on how to use %sysfunc here -> http://support.sas.com/documentation/cdl/en/mcrolref/62978/HTML/default/viewer.htm#p1o13d7wb2zfcnn19...