Search notes:

SAS: macro variables

Macro variables start with an ampersand (&).

A macro variable does not belong to a data set.

The data type of a macro variable is character up to 64'000 characters.

If a macro variable is defined in a macro, it's scope is local. If it is defined in open code, its scope is global.

Within single quotes, macro variables are not expanded.

Macro variables are defined with the %let macro statement:

%let macro_variable=value;

Macro variables can later be deleted/undefined with %symdel.

Within a data step, a macro variable can be created with symput.

The (value of) macro variables are stored in the macro table.

A macro variable's value is resolved when it reaches the top of the input stack.

Within proc sql, a macro variable can be assigned with the select into clause.

Listing macro variables

%put _all_;
%put _user_;

The dictionary table macros can be used to show existing macros:

%let tq84_macro_var = Hello world;

proc sql;
  select
    scope,  /* GLOBAL, LOCAL ?...         */
    offset, /* Offset into macro variable */
    value
  from
    dictionary.macros
  where
    name = 'TQ84_MACRO_VAR';
quit;

Github repository about-SAS, path: /macro-processor/dictionary.macros.sas

SAS: macro variables

Listing macro variables

See also