want to create a loop or run a data step that reproduces all observations repetitively

[tolapa]

Hello All,

Good evening. 

I am working on a code in which I have to reproduce all observations in loop (max iteration of loop will be decided by number of observations) in such a way that each variable value is reproduced against all values and so on.

have
Apple
Orange
Banana

Want
Apple, Apple
Apple, Orange
Apple, Banana
Orange, Apple
Orange, Orange
Orange, Banana
Banana,Apple
Banana, Orange
Banana, Banana

The number of observations in "have" list can change each time.

Please help!

[Astounding · Accepted solution]

This is an easy task for SQL:

proc sql;

create table want as select a.fruit as v1, b.fruit as v2

from have a, have b;

quit;

I'm guessing at the variable names to use, since you didn't supply any in your question.

I think I got the syntax right, but it might need a little tweak.

[noling]

You approach was also what came to mind for me. I can see DBA's having a huge issue with a Cartesian join, but for small tables that certainty works!