Sentry Page Protection
Variable Attributes [3-17]

Attribute #1: Variable Name

The variable name is, well, the variable name!

​It is used to identify the variable in your program.

Example

Data Cars;
Set SASHelp.cars;
if enginesize > 4;
Run;

3 Restrictions on Variable Name

There is nothing complex about the variable name.

However, there are 3 restrictions on how a variable can be named.


Rule #1: Variable Name cannot exceed 32 characters

Good
  • INVOICE
  • MSRP

Bad
  • ThisIsAVariableLongerThan32CharactersThisIsAVariableLongerThan32Characters
  • Var123456789012345678901234567890

Note: although 32-character is the absolute limit for the variable name, it is generally a good programming habit to keep the variable name at no more than 8 characters. 

Having a short and precise variable name is easier to type and less prone to error.
Rule #2: Variable Name cannot contain any space or special characters except underscore (_)

Good
  • A1234
  • _GENDER_
  • CAR_MODEL

Bad
  • ABC%$#
  • CAR MODEL

Note: underscore (_) is the only special character beside letters and numbers that can be used in a variable name.
Rule #3: Variable Name cannot start with a number

Good
  • A1234
  • TEMP1, TEMP2, ...

Bad
  • 1A
  • 10TEMP
Exercise

Which of the followings are a valid variable name:

a. CUSTOMER_HOUSEHOLD_INCOME
b. MyBMW@2015
c. 2015GDP
d. ERROR
e. (a) and (d)
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