Part 2: Technique

The right set of tools makes any job easier, but knowing how to use them is equally important. Chapters 3 through 9 examine several macro language tools and concepts, but they de-emphasize syntax. Instead, these chapters push, prod, and experiment with the tools, generating insights into how they really work. Although many of the tools may appear familiar, these chapters expand the ways they can be applied. Expect to find:

•    A macro variable that generates different text each time it gets resolved.

•    A series of IF/THEN/ELSE statements generated by PROC SQL.

•    User-created output files that automatically utilize the name of the program, just like .log and .lst files.

Along the way, this section presents some tough programming challenges, difficult enough to test even the best of programmers. Think about them and try to solve them, but don't worry about keeping score. The real prize is what you learn.