Suppose you want to print the first few variables of a data set but you do not know the names of those variables. You can use PROC SQL to create a macro variable that contains a list of the first n variables. You can then use the macro variable in a PROC PRINT step. The sample code below illustrates this.

proc sql;
   select name into :varlist separated by ' '
      from dictionary.columns
      where libname='SASHELP' and memname='CARS' and varnum le 3;
quit;
%put &varlist;

proc print data=sashelp.cars(obs=10);
   var &varlist;
run;

Adjust the VARNUM value in the PROC SQL step above as needed to control the desired number of variables.

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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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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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