import multiple dbf-datasets

[Konkordanz]

Hi,

currently I have 4 datasets:

gb2018.dbf

gb2019.dbf

gb2020.dbf

gb2021.dbf

The logic of their names is always the same: "gb" and the year. Each year a new dataset will be added into the same path.

Importing one of them works with following code:

proc import datafile = '...PATH\gb2018.dbf'
out= Geb_2021
REPLACE
dbms = dbf;
run;

But actually I want a code for importing a flexible selection of these datasets into one SAS-Dataset. For example: If I select the years 2018-2020, the code shall import gb2018.dbf, gb2018.dbf and gb2020.dbf. Do you have an idea, how to code that?

Would be nice to get some help! Thank you!

[Oligolas · Accepted solution]

Hi,

I would use a macro, for example:

%MACRO importDBF(yearFrom=, yearTo=);
   %LOCAL year;
   %DO year=&yearFrom. %TO &yearTo.;
      PROC IMPORT DATAFILE = "...PATH\gb&year..dbf"
         OUT= Geb_&year.
         REPLACE
         DBMS = dbf;
      RUN;
   %END;
%MEND importDBF;
%importDBF(yearFrom=2018, yearTo=2020);

[Konkordanz]

Thank you, that works!