creating an array

[riskassure]

I have a large table containing hundreds of data fields. There are two sets of fields I'd like to use in particular: Code1 through Code20, as well as Code1Dt through Code20Dt

So in my data step, I have the following:

array Code{*} Code1-Code20

which works fine.

However, when it comes to create an array for Code1Dt through Code20Dt by

array CodeDt{*} Code1Dt-Code20Dt

I get an error. I know it has something to do with the suffix not being numeric. Is there a way to make this work?

Thanks!

~~CW~~

 

[klaz2002]

No, in order to make use of the shortcut range your variables must end in a number.

You could use a macro to 'write' out the variables into a macro variable and then use that macro var to initialize your array.

Here is an example:

%macro ExpandAlphaVars(minvarname = true1dt,
                       maxvarname = true22dt);

   %let myvarlist = ;
   %let minvarnum = %sysfunc(compress(&minvarname,1234567890,k));
   %let maxvarnum = %sysfunc(compress(&maxvarname,1234567890,k));
   %let myprefix  = %scan(&minvarname,1,&minvarnum);
   %let mypostfix = %scan(&minvarname,2,&minvarnum);
   %do i=&minvarnum %to &maxvarnum;
     %let myvarlist = &myvarlist &myprefix.&i.&mypostfix;
   %end;
   %put &myvarlist;
%mend ExpandAlphaVars;

Then in your code you can insert the macro name and its parameters, like this...

*** FROM YOUR CODE ***;
array CodeDt{*} %ExpandAlphaVars(minvarname=Code1Dt,mAXvarname=Code20Dt);

*** CONTINUE WITH YOUR PROGRAM ***;

I hope this helps...
Klaz