Execute a system command and capture output into a dataset

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The `%cmd2ds` macro takes two parameters: `cmd` (the system command to execute) and `dsout` (the name of the output dataset, defaulting to `_cmd2ds`). It uses the `filename ... pipe` interface to execute the command and redirect its standard output. A DATA STEP then reads each line of this output and stores it in a 256-character `str` variable in the specified dataset. The `filename` reference is then cleared, which is crucial for system resources.

Data Analysis

Type : CREATION_INTERNE

The output dataset is created dynamically by reading the standard output of a system command executed via the 'pipe' interface. Each output line from the command becomes an observation in the SAS dataset.

1 Code Block

DATA STEP Data

Explanation :
This block defines the `%cmd2ds` macro. It manages the output dataset name by assigning a default value of `_cmd2ds` if `dsout` is not specified. The `filename _cmd2ds pipe "&cmd";` declaration is crucial as it executes the system command provided by the `&cmd` parameter and associates its output with the fileref `_cmd2ds`. The `DATA STEP` then reads this output line by line using `infile _cmd2ds;` and `input;`, assigning each line to the `_infile_` variable and then to the `str` variable, thereby creating the SAS dataset. Finally, `filename _cmd2ds CLEAR;` clears the fileref, closing the pipe and releasing system resources.

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1	%put MACRO CALLED: cmd2ds v1.0;
2
3	%macro cmd2ds(cmd,dsout);
4	%IF not %LENGTH(&dsout) %THEN %let dsout=_cmd2ds;
5	filename _cmd2ds pipe "&cmd";
6	DATA &dsout;
7	LENGTH str $ 256;
8	INFILE _cmd2ds;
9	INPUT;
10	str=_infile_;
11	RUN;
12	filename _cmd2ds CLEAR;
13	%mend cmd2ds;

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