%let using macro variable in assignment

[kmoonmurr]

I want to create an output dataset using a date suffix.

I am simplifying here and my program is long, but this is a simple problem, I just can't figure it out.

%let = import_date = 20180911.

Later, I name my output dataset:

data baseline_&import_date.;

set temp5;

run;

Result is a dataset called baseline_20180911.

Later, I want to reference this dataset in a bunch of procedures and I don't want to hardcode the name of the dataset into my program. 

I also do not want to have to type this long name each time I reference the dataset: 

proc freq data=baseline_&import_date.;

table fred;

run;

I want to use a new %let statement before my freqs/means/etc.

%let infile = baseline_&import_date. 

proc freq data=&infile;

table fred;

run;

But of course I cannot do this because using this syntax I can't assign a macro with a macro unless I do something more. Not sure what it is though...

Thanks.

[Reeza]

Look up the SYSLAST automatic macro variable.

After your data set add a line:

%let infile = &syslast.;

[kmoonmurr]

This is a great tip and works - Thanks!

[Astounding · Accepted solution]

You can do all the things you are trying to do.  However, you need to correct the syntax of the %LET statements.  The first one has an extra equal sign and an extra period at the end.  And both are missing a semicolon.  Other than that, you can certainly use the value of one macro variable when defining a new macro variable:

%let import_date = 20180911;

%let infile = baseline_&import_date.;

Outside of that, is something not working?

[kmoonmurr]

Thank you, it works!

[Reeza]

I think this is the possible flaw in your understanding, except I'm not 100% sure what it means.

But of course I cannot do this because using this syntax I can't assign a macro with a macro unless I do something more. Not sure what it is though...