Dear Tom,
Yes I do have a practical need, but i'm also curious because it does not fit in my current model of how DOSUBL (and RUN_FILE) works.
I have a list of output names in a dataset, each output is associated to a file. Each files produce 3 things: a dataset, a ods document object, a pdf (replay).
With a DATA STEP, I visit the dataset, infer the path to each output files, give it to dosubl/%include, check that the files where produce and create new variable to report the success/failure for the production of each outputs.
An other step is to let run a QC program. this gives 'only' a dataset for each output. I can then dosubl or run_macro to capture the &SYSINFO. value of the proc compare.
Compared to the call execute, I get better encapsulation/local properties for my processes and can streamline the success/failure directly to the PDV (did I mentionned how gorgious i find the DOSUBL/RUN_* function?). all in one path.
With call execute I have to insert the progresses to another dataset, open it many times and take the risk of having some concurrency issues.
From experience I find DOSUBL more reliable than CALL EXECUTE,
Title 'DOSUBL = reliable';
data zz;
rc=dosubl("proc contents data=sashelp.cars short; run';");
output;
rc=dosubl("proc contents data=sashelp.airline short; run;");
output;
run;
Title 'CALL EXECUTE leak: AIRLINE missing!';
data zz;
call execute("proc contents data=sashelp.cars short; run';");
call execute("proc contents data=sashelp.airline short; run;");
run;
Please let this code illustrate my point:. a typo is placed in the form of *run';* in the 2 datasteps. luckily for CALL EXECUTE, the 2nd instruction is not mission critical... (did I mentionned that I can not trust the output programs).
So technically, this dosubl/proc document issue is the last challenge in an attempt of abstracting the full processes line (output generation + Quality check) in what I would define as a reliable and metadata-driven and BASE SAS only solution.
Now, in a sane world, I would refactor more than one part and make it work, but I'm not living in a sane world, and I can not touch programs generating the outputs.(lack of time and QC issue are the 2 main reasons).
I currently have a call execute as a 2d pass to correct the outputs, (following the 'first make it work' principle 🙂 ). But it seems so close,..
Regards,
Frederic
