SAS Macro Language

Overview

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In this course, you learn advanced techniques within the DATA step and procedures to manipulate data. Course Learning Objectives: (3+ per course) “By the end of this course, a learner will be able to…” ● Perform text substitution in SAS code. ● Use macro variables and macro functions. ● Automate and customize the production of SAS code. ● Conditionally or iteratively construct SAS code. ● Write self-modifying, data-driven programs.

Syllabus

SAS Macro Facility

In this module, you’ll begin with a brief course overview and set up your practice files. You’ll then explore SAS macro programming, including what the macro facility enables you to do and how it can make programming more efficient. You’ll also learn how SAS processes code behind the scenes and how macro language elements affect that processing, then practice creating and using macro variables to dynamically modify text in your programs.

Storing and Processing Text

In this module, you learn more about storing and processing text. You learn to use macro functions to manipulate text, and how to use both PROC SQL and the DATA step to create macro variables based on values read from your data. You also learn how to use indirect referencing to look up a macro variable's value based on another macro variable.

Working with Macro Programs

In this module, you learn to write and call macro programs to generate SAS code based on input values. You also learn about macro variable scope - where macro variables are stored and how long they are available. Finally you learn about conditionally generating and processing code using macro IF/THEN statements, and iterative processing with macro DO loops.

Developing Macro Applications

In this module you learn how to store and retrieve macros so they are available in any SAS session. You also learn to build data-driven macro applications that dynamically generate SAS code based on values in your data. Finally, you learn to build safety precautions and documentation into your macro applications so that they correct themselves if problems occur, or provide helpful messages to direct the user to a resolution.