Using macro variable as column name

Question

I am designing a generic macro to do update a table using a macro variable (say X) which is used as a column name. The problem I have is that there are ocassions where this variable X (which is used as a column name in the where clause) is null. Can someone help please

DWal · Accepted Answer · 2015-03-03 14:08:38Z

1

I you don't want a where clause when &X is blank, then do something like:

%if %length(&X) > 0 %then where &X = 'blahblah';

So that the where clause is only created if &X has text in it.

answered Mar 3, 2015 at 14:08

DWal

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Joe · Accepted Answer · 2015-03-03 15:58:25Z

1

If &x is guaranteed to be defined but may be blank, then DWal's solution is the way to go. This is useful basically when the macro variable is a parameter, and will be defined every time the macro is run.

If it may not be defined at all, then you need to use %symexist() to check whether the macro variable is defined at all, possibly in addition to the %length check.

%macro test;
  %if %symexist(X) %then %if %length(&x)>0 %then %do; 
    %put &=x;
  %end;
%mend test;

%symdel x; *deletes x if it exists;

%test;

%let x=;
%test;

%let x=XValue;
%test;

I nest the %if to avoid an unintialized note.

answered Mar 3, 2015 at 15:58

Joe

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2 Comments

Lovnlust Over a year ago

It should be %put &x= ?

Joe Over a year ago

@rbet No, on 9.3+ this syntax is correct. On earlier versions the equal sign won't work anywhere (except to put the character itself).

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