locking a SAS dataset

[BenConner]

Hi,

I need to serialize update access to a SAS dataset across a series of concurrent jobs. Each one only requires exclusive access for a few seconds but Murphy arranged for two to need it at the same time this morning.  One failed.

I thought the lock statement might work but there isn't a wait option for it.  So I hoped there was a lock function but couldn't find one.  That would be handy in a data step.

So how has this been done in the past?

Thanks!

--Ben

[Kurt_Bremser · Accepted solution]

You can code a loop for the LOCK statement that continues with WAITing steps in between until it gets a zero return code in macro variable SYSLCKRC.

[BenConner]

Thanks, Kurt.  That could work.  Will work out the details.  If push comes to shove I can always use a semaphore file.  Was just trying to avoid that.

--Ben