SAS variable as SQL table name

Question

EDIT: Thank you for the quick responses. I have a lot to learn about SaS obviously but everyone's responses were very helpful.

Beginner here, trying to write SAS code that can be easily ported across systems.

Goal: I want to have PROC SQL use a global variable for a multipart table identifier.

/* global variables*/
%LET lib_name="Merge_Contacts"
%LET table_name="Contacts"


/* Simple Query */
PROC SQL;
    CREATE TABLE Merged_Contacts AS
        SELECT a.*, b.*
        /* Below is the problem area */
        /* SAS doesn't recognize this as a valid lib/table name */
        FROM &lib_name.&table_name 
        ... 
        /*merge another table*/
QUIT;            

I've tried to concatenate this identifier in several ways to no success. Any thoughts? Thanks!

Answer 1

/* global variables*/
%LET lib_name=Mrg_ctat;  /* lib names 8 characters and you needed ; on
%LET table_name=Contacts;   both %let statements Also, remove "" */


/* Simple Query */
PROC SQL;
    CREATE TABLE Merged_Contacts AS
        SELECT a.*, b.*
        /* Below is the problem area */
        /* SAS doesn't recognize this as a valid lib/table name */

       /* use .. to tag end of first macro variable. This will provide
          single . as separator */
        FROM &lib_name..&table_name 
        ... 
        /*merge another table*/
QUIT;