Using macro variables in datastep arguments

Question

I'm trying to write tiny programm with parameters to backup datasets (name+date+time) in Enterprise Guide. Here's code:

data &WhatLib..&WhatTable%str(_)&SYSDATE.%sysfunc(tranwrd(%str(&SYSTIME.),:,_)) ;
set &WhatLib..&WhatTable ;
run;

WhatLib(default value work) and WhatTable(default value _PRODSAVAIL) - parameters. Well, I get result, that in the screenshot:

I added a few more strings to check macro variables values:

%put &WhatLib..&WhatTable%str(_)&SYSDATE.%sysfunc(tranwrd(%str(&SYSTIME.),:,_));
%put &WhatLib..&WhatTable;

And result is in log was:

work._PRODSAVAIL_22AUG1613_28

work._PRODSAVAIL

Then, I wrapped this code into macro defenition:

%macro TEST();
...
<--same code-->
...
%mend TEST;

%TEST();

But result were the same. I will be grateful if you specify an error or feature that I did not realize.

fl0r3k · Accepted Answer · 2016-08-22 11:47:50Z

3

The %STR(_) is causing problem here. You don't need to put _ in the %STR() macro function. Underscore is proper part of name in data sets.

Also it is better to use %SYSFUNC() with TIME() and DATE() functions to have actual time and date. Not the SAS starting time and date:

data &WhatLib..&WhatTable._%sysfunc(date(),date9.)_%sysfunc(tranwrd(%sysfunc(time(),hhmm5.),:,_));
   set &WhatLib..&WhatTable;
run;

answered Aug 22, 2016 at 11:47

fl0r3k

6295 silver badges9 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

1 Answer 1