SAS Macros Are Just Text Substitution ... ARRRRRGGGGGHHHHH!!!!

Abstract

Before I truly understood what, “SAS® macros are just text substitution!” meant, I swear that if one more person said that to me, I was going to scream. If you have heard the following, then this paper is for you: • heard about SAS macros • know that macros would greatly simplify your code • understand that macros reduce the chance of errors • do not have a resource who can explain macro basics to you before leaping too quickly into the fancier stuff. This paper is aimed at the SAS user who has never used SAS macro variables or macro statements before, or who has been scared off by seeing too many % and & signs too quickly. By building a strong foundation in the basics of SAS macro language, you will be able to implement immediately what you have learned here. You will also gain the confidence to move forward with more advanced macro topics. I swear.