The macro language enables the SAS programmer to greatly increase the power, flexibility, and capability of SAS. The macro language can be used to generalize programs and to make them reusable. It is a complex language with many nuances, and although it is not easily mastered, even its simplest tools and capabilities can have a great impact on your workflow and relative efficiencies.
Within Base SAS software, the SAS Macro Facility is a tool that contains the essential elements that enable you to use the macro language. The macro facility contains the macro language and a macro processor that translates macro code into statements that can be used by SAS. The macro language provides the means to communicate with the macro processor.
For the examples in this chapter and indeed for all of the code examples throughout the book, if you want to execute these sample programs, then be sure to follow the setup instructions. Remember that all of the data sets and programs are available for download, so you do not need to retype either the code or the data. For instructions on accessing and setting up the programs and data, see the “Example Code and Data” section within this edition's “About This Book” front matter.