How to read variable names?

The system dataset SASHELP.VCOLUMN is a SAS view. This view is where the attributes (like: variable names, labels and formats) of a dataset are stored as the records of a dataset. This is like an output dataset from the CONTENTS procedure.

For example, in the code below: If the DM dataset is executed, the corresponding attributes of this dataset gets saved in a view called sashelp.vcolumn (which can later be set for analysis).

*** RUN DM DATASET ***;

data dm;
set dm;
run;

*** SET SASHELP.VCOLUMN TO READ VARIABLE NAMES ***;

data test;
set sashelp.vcolumn(where=(libname="WORK" and memname in ("DM"))) end=last;
if find (label, "Date"); *capture date variables;
run;

More: http://www2.sas.com/proceedings/sugi28/150-28.pdf