《Paper 243-29》.pdfVIP

SUGI 29 Tutorials Paper 243-29 SAS Macro Programming for Beginners Susan J. Slaughter, Avocet Solutions, Davis, CA Lora D. Delwiche, Delwiche Consulting, Winters, CA ABSTRACT Macro programming is generally considered an advanced topic. But, while macros certainly can be challenging, it is also true that the basic concepts are not difficult to learn. This paper is designed for people who know the basics of SAS programming, but know nothing about SAS macro programming. We explain how the macro processor works, and how to use macros and macro variables. Using these techniques you can create flexible, reusable code that can save you time and effort. WHY USE MACROS? Because macro code takes longer to write and debug than standard SAS code, you generally won’t use macros in programs that will be run only a few times. But if you find yourself writing similar code over and over again, then macros may make your job easier. Macros can help in several ways. First, with macros you can make one small change in your program and have SAS echo that change throughout your program. Second, macros can allow you to write a piece of code and use it over and over again in the same program or in different programs. Third, you can make your programs data driven, letting SAS decide what to do based on actual data values. THE MACRO PROCESSOR The most important concept to keep in mind whenever you write macro code is that You are writing a program that writes a program. Here is how it works.