SAS programming language – basic syntax

We used code in the first program to create an output dataset. The dataset was created by what is known as data steps. Data steps are a collection of statements that can help create, modify, and control the output. SAS also leverages Structured Query Language (SQL). Let's review the basic syntax for data steps and SQL within SAS. We will continue to explore more advanced versions of code throughout this book.

Data step

The following code represents one of the simplest forms of a data step:

DATA WORK.Air;
SET SASHELP.Air;
RUN;

Using the SET statement in this data step, we have specified the dataset that we want to refer to. There are no conditional statements in the program...