SAS 9.4 Macro Language, 5th Edition

Appendix 2

SAS Macro Facility Error and

Warning Messages

SAS Macro Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391

SAS Macro Warning Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 427

SAS Macro Error Messages

This section contains error messages that might be reported when using macros and the

solutions to correct them. If you are unable to resolve the error, then contact SAS

Technical Support.

Error: %EVAL must be followed by an expression enclosed in

parentheses.

Cause Solution

There is no expression following the %EVAL

function.

The %EVAL function must be followed by an

expression that is enclosed in parentheses .

An expression follows the %EVAL function

but the parentheses are missing.

The %EVAL function must contain an

expression that is enclosed in parentheses.

Error: Expecting a variable name after value.

Cause Solution

The first letter of the variable name begins

with a number or special character.

The first character must begin with an English

letter or an underscore. Subsequent characters

can be English letters, digits, or underscores.

The variable name is missing. Verify that the variable name exists.

Error: Symbolic variable name value must be 32 or fewer characters

long.

391

Cause Solution

The macro variable name is longer than 32

characters.

A macro variable name can be only 32

characters or less.

Error: Symbolic variable name value must begin with a letter or

underscore.

Cause Solution

The macro variable name contained within

quotation marks in the first argument to the

SYMPUT routine or the SYMPUTX routine

begins with a number or special character.

The macro variable name must begin with a

letter or an underscore.

The value of the SAS data set variable that is

used to create the macro variable name begins

with a number or special character.

The value within the data set variable must

begin with a letter or underscore.

Error: Symbolic variable name value must contain only letters,

digits, and underscores.

Cause Solution

The macro variable name contained within

quotation marks in the first argument to the

SYMPUT routine or the SYMPUTX routine

contains a special character.

The macro variable name must contain only

letters, digits, or underscores.

The value of the SAS data set variable that is

used to create the macro variable name within

the SYMPUT routine or the SYMPUTX

routine contains a special character.

The value within the data set variable must

contain only letters, digits, or underscores.

Error: Expected open parenthesis after macro function name not

found.

Cause Solution

The macro function being used is missing the

open parenthesis to begin the argument.

Each macro function used must contain an

open and close parenthesis.

Error: Maximum level of nesting of macro functions exceeded.

Cause Solution

The macro functions are nested more than ten

times.

You cannot nest macro functions more than

ten times.

392 Appendix 2 • SAS Macro Facility Error and Warning Messages