using the same array code on many data sets with the same layout in one data step

[jdub]

Hello

I am trying to figure out how to use the same array code on many data sets with the same layout.  I have quarterly data that contains three months of sales in each quarter.  The data is in wide form and I am using an array to push it to long form.  My goal is to reshape and append the data sets.  The array code I wrote to reshape one quarter is:

data q12003;

set raw.q12003;

array q12003(3) m1 m2 m3;

do month = 1 to 3;

sales=q12003(month);

output;

end;

run;

In the raw library there are quarterly data files q12003, q22003, q32003, q42003, q12004 etc.  I think it is possible to use the data step code with the array to reshape all data in raw at once without creating separate data steps for each reshape.  My intuition tells me that a macro could be used for this but I am not sure how to get started. 

Any help would be appreciated.

[art297 · Accepted solution]

You might be able to get away with just using a wildcard.  e.g.:

data all;

set raw.q:;

array q12003(3) m1 m2 m3;

do month = 1 to 3;

sales=q12003(month);

output;

end;

run;

[jdub]

yah, this works. 

geez, everytime I think I know a path to a solution in SAS there is always a way to fold the problem and shorten the distance to travel

[art297]

FWIW:  I've been trying to learn the language for the past 38 years.  Every time I think I finally know everything, I discover that I'm just a novice.

[Linlin]

Hi Art,

You are a Master, not a novice.:smileylaugh: