SAS : Single, Double, Triple Ampersand Macro Variables

This tutorial explains how single (&), double (&&) and Triple (&&&) ampersand macro variables are resolved in SAS.

Example

%let x=temp;
%let n=3;
%let x3=result;
%let temp3 = result2;

Check how multiple ampersand macro variables work -

%put &x&n;
%put &&x&n;
%put &&&x&n;

Rule :
The scanner reads from left to right.

1. &x&n : Macro variable X resolves first to temp and then N resolves to 3. Output : temp3
2. &&x&n : Two ampersands (&&) resolves to one ampersand (&) and scanner continues and then N resolves to 3 and then &x3 resolves to result. Output : result
3. &&&x&n : First two ampersands (&&) resolves to & and then X resolves to temp and then N resolves to 3. In last, &temp3 resolves to result2. Output : result2

Ampersand Macro Variables

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About Author:

Deepanshu founded ListenData with a simple objective - Make analytics easy to understand and follow. He has over 10 years of experience in data science. During his tenure, he worked with global clients in various domains like Banking, Insurance, Private Equity, Telecom and HR.

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