Similar to reading datasets, SAS can write datasets in different formats. It can write data from SAS files to normal text file.These files can be read by other software programs. SAS uses PROC EXPORT to write data sets.

PROC EXPORT

It is a SAS inbuilt procedure used to export the SAS data sets for writing the data into files of different formats.

Syntax

The basic syntax for writing the procedure in SAS is −

PROC EXPORT
DATA = libref.SAS data-set (SAS data-set-options)
OUTFILE = "filename"
DBMS = identifier LABEL(REPLACE);

Following is the description of the parameters used −

SAS data-set is the data set name which is being exported. SAS can share the data sets from its environment with other applications by creating files which can be read by different operating systems. It uses the inbuilt EXPORT function to out the data set files in a variety of formats. In this chapter we will see the writing of SAS data sets using proc export along with the options dlm and dbms.
SAS data-set-options is used to specify a subset of columns to be exported.
filename is the name of the file to which the data is written into.
identifier is used to mention the delimiter that will be written into the file.
LABEL option is used to mention the name of the variables written to the file.

Example

We will use the SAS data set named cars available in the SASHELP library. We export it as a space delimited text file with the code as shown in the following program.

proc export data = sashelp.cars
outfile = '/folders/myfolders/sasuser.v94/Tecklearn/car_data.txt'
dbms = dlm;
delimiter = ' ';
run;

On executing the above code we can see the output as a text file and right click on it to see its content as shown below.

sas 44

Writing a CSV file

In order to write a comma delimited file we can use the dlm option with a value “csv”. The following code writes the file car_data.csv.

proc export data = sashelp.cars
outfile = '/folders/myfolders/sasuser.v94/Tecklearn/car_data.csv'
dbms = csv;
run;

On executing the above code we get the below output.

sas 45

Writing a tab delimited file

In order to write a tab delimited file we can use the dlm option with a value “tab”. The following code writes the file car_tab.txt.

proc export data = sashelp.cars
outfile = '/folders/myfolders/sasuser.v94/Tecklearn/car_tab.txt'
dbms = csv;
run;

So, this brings us to the end of blog. This Tecklearn ‘How to Write Data Sets in SAS’ blog helps you with commonly asked questions if you are looking out for a job in SAS. If you wish to learn SAS and build a career in Data Analytics domain, then check out our interactive, SAS Training for SAS BASE Certification Training, that comes with 24*7 support to guide you throughout your learning period. Please find the link for course details:

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What you will Learn in this Course?

Introduction to SAS

Introduction to SAS
Installation of SAS
SAS windows
Working with data sets
Walk through of SAS windows like output, search, editor etc

SAS Enterprise Guide

How to read and subset the data sets
SET Statement
Infile and Infile Options
SAS Format -Format Vs Informat

SAS Operators and Functions

Using Variables
Defining and using KEEP and DROP statements
Output Statement
Retain Statement
SUM Statement

Advanced SAS Procedures

PROC Import
PROC Print
Data Step Vs Proc
Deep Dive into Proc

Customizing Datasets

SAS Arrays
Useful SAS Functions
PUT/INPUT Functions
Date/Time Functions
Numeric Functions
Character Functions

SAS Format and SAS Graphs

SAS Format statements
Understanding PROC GCHART, various graphs, bar charts: pie, bar

Sorting Techniques

NODUP
NODUKEY
NODUP Vs NODUKEY

Data Transformation Function

Character functions, numeric functions and converting variable type
Use functions in data transformation

Deep Dive into SAS Procedures, Functions and Statements

Find Function
Scan Function
MERGE Statement
BY Statement
Joins
Procedures Vs Function
Where Vs If
What is Missover
NMISS
CMISS

PROC SQL

SELECT statement
Sorting of Data
CASE expression
Other SELECT statement clauses
JOINS and UNIONS

Using SAS Macros

Benefits of SAS Macros
Macro Variables
Macro Code Constituents and Macro Step
Positional Parameters to Macros

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