Date:         Tue, 13 Mar 2007 18:23:04 -0800
Reply-To:     David L Cassell <davidlcassell@MSN.COM>
Sender:       "SAS(r) Discussion" <SAS-L@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU>
From:         David L Cassell <davidlcassell@MSN.COM>
Subject:      Re: intro to sas macros
In-Reply-To:  <423343.36054.qm@web62205.mail.re1.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed

sas_datalover@YAHOO.COM wrote:
>
>Dear list,
>
>   Where should I look if i need a good introduction to this subject (sas
>macros)? I am tired of repetitive code.
>
>   Thanks,
>
>   Cantcode.
>

I'm going to agree with the wise authors who have already talked to you.

It often seems that macros are the solution, but all too often there's a
better
way.  As an example, I have a SGF paper in the stat/design section which is
nothing but better ways to code standard stat and simulation problems,
instead of the usuall big icky macros that I see.

Like Dianne, I learned SAS so long ago that this was not as big an issue.
Of course, back then I also had to ride my stegosaurus to get to classes.
:-)

I would recommend that you put forth an example or two of the repetitive
stuff you would like to avoid.  Recognizing that you have a problem is
always
the first step, so good work.  But SAS is a very rich language.  It has a
ton of
things which might be better than a macro, in any given theoretical
situation.
Or perhaps you have a case where a macro would really be best.  I can't tell
from way over here.

You might also go to the Sacramento Vallet SAS Users Group website

    http://svsug.org/

and read my paper "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective SAS-ers".  You may find
some tips which might help you solve your problem, or at least give you some
pointers toward other ways to write SAS code.

So.. what specific example did you have in mind?

HTH,
David
--
David L. Cassell
mathematical statistician
Design Pathways
3115 NW Norwood Pl.
Corvallis OR 97330

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