Using SYSTASK to dynamically create LIBNAME statements

1
Using SYSTASK to dynamically create LIBNAME
statements

• Ray Cloutier
• Health Dialog

2
Introduction

• How to dynamically create LIBNAME statements

3
Consistent Directory Structure

• Facilitates cross project analysis
• Enables team work
• Keeps things tighty

4
Sample Folder Structure
5
Declare Macro
macro project_analysis(working_folder ,
projects_folder )
6
Use SYSTASK to create a text file listing of
projects
systask command "ls projects_folder. gt
working_folder.all_project_folders.txt"
shell tasknameget_project_paths waitfor
get_project_paths
7
Read in the list of projects
data project_folders length project_folder
32 infile "working_folder.all_project_folder
s.txt" lrecl200 termstrcrlf input
_at_1 project_folder 32. run
8
Create a macro variable containing the list of
projects
proc sql noprint select project_folder
into projects_list
separated by ' from
project_folders quit put list of
projects projects_list
9
Parse the list of projects
let p1 / used as a counter variable. / do
while (scan(projects_list,p,str()) ne
str( )) let current_project
scan(projects_list,p,str()) put project
current_project
10
Perform a task for each project
/ ---- place task to perform for each here
---/ libname whp. "projects_folder.current_p
roject./data"
accessreadonly / ----------- end task
work -----------------/
11
Increment Counter end loop
let peval(p1) /increment the counter
/ end mend project_analysis project
_analysis (working_folder
/tmp/sandbox/projects ,projects_folder
/projects/)
12
Conclusion

• Consistency can have great benefits
• Find a folder structure that works for your
  projects
• Avoid kitchen counter (catch all) folders!

13
SAS blurb slide

• SAS and all other SAS Institute Inc. product
• or service names are registered trademarks or
• trademarks of SAS Institute Inc. in the USA
• and other countries. indicates USA
• registration. Other brand and product names
• are registered trademarks or trademarks of
• their respective companies.

14
My Contact info

• Ray Cloutier
• Health Dialog
• rcloutier_at_healthdialog.com

15
Using SYSTASK to Dynamically create LIBNAME
statements

• Questions
• and Answers