The previous sections illustrate the relationship between macro compilation and

execution and DATA step compilation and execution. The relationship contains a pattern

of simple repetitive actions. These actions begin when text is submitted to the input stack

and the word scanner begins tokenization. At times the word scanner waits for the macro

processor to perform an activity, such as searching the symbol tables or compiling a

macro definition. If the macro processor generates text during its activity, then it pauses

while the word scanner tokenizes the text and sends the tokens to the appropriate target.

These tokens might trigger other actions in parts of SAS, such as the DATA step

compiler, the command processor, or a SAS procedure. If any of these actions occur, the

macro processor waits for these actions to be completed before resuming its activity.