You can manually enter the data set names or use MACRO logic to generate the repetitive data set names when combining many data sets on a SET statement. Starting in SAS 9.2, dash lists can be used to list out the data sets.

Note:  Variable name lists are not valid for data sets before SAS 9.2. In other words, if you have WORK.DS1, WORK.DS2, and WORK.DS3, you can NOT specify WORK.DS1-WORK.DS3 on the SET statement.

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These sample files and code examples are provided by SAS Institute Inc. "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Recipients acknowledge and agree that SAS Institute shall not be liable for any damages whatsoever arising out of their use of this material. In addition, SAS Institute will provide no support for the materials contained herein.

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/* Create sample data sets to append with the macro.  Note the data set */
/* names use the naming convention of DSn, where n is an incrementing   */
/* number.                                                              */

data ds1;
  x=1;
run;

data ds2;
  x=2;
run;

data ds3;
  x=3;
run;

/* Build a macro called NAMES with two parameters.  The first parameter   */
/* is the 'prefix' of the naming pattern.  The second parameter is the    */
/* maximum number of data sets you want to generate on the SET statement. */                               

%macro names(prefix,maxnum);
  %do i=1 %to &maxnum;
    &prefix&i
  %end;
  ;
%mend names;

/* Call the macro on the SET statement */

data all;
  set %names(DS,3);
run;

proc print data=all;
  title "Appended results";
run;


Starting in SAS 9.2, a dash list can be used.

data all;
  set ds1-ds3;
run;

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These sample files and code examples are provided by SAS Institute Inc. "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Recipients acknowledge and agree that SAS Institute shall not be liable for any damages whatsoever arising out of their use of this material. In addition, SAS Institute will provide no support for the materials contained herein.

Appended results             

Obs    x

 1     1
 2     2
 3     3

Use macro logic to populate a SET statement to combine many data sets.

Type:	Sample
Topic:	SAS Reference ==> DATA Step SAS Reference ==> Statements ==> File-handling ==> SET Common Programming Tasks ==> Combining Data

Date Modified:	2008-01-28 11:45:43
Date Created:	2006-01-17 17:59:43

Operating System and Release Information

Product Family	Product	Host	SAS Release
			Starting	Ending
SAS System	Base SAS	All	n/a	n/a