An %IF statement in open code inserts additional semicolons into submitted code after resolution when the following conditions are met:

• An %ELSE branch is specified with the %IF test.
• The %IF test resolves to FALSE, making the code take the %ELSE branch.

The behavior can be illustrated after you submit the following sample macro:

When the macro is called in open code and its input parameter (VAR) contains an %IF test that resolves to TRUE, the correct results are generated, as shown in the SAS^® log here:

However, if you submit the macro with an %IF test that resolves to FALSE, additional semicolons are generated in the code:

A workaround is to modify the logic of the code so that the %ELSE branch is not used. A further code modification is to not use an %IF statement in open code.

Click the Hot Fix tab in this note to access the hot fix for this issue.

Operating System and Release Information

A fix for this issue for Base SAS 9.4_M7 is available at:

A fix for this issue for Base SAS 9.4_M6 is available at: