The data that is available to a SAS program for analysis is referred as a SAS Data Set. It is created using the DATA step. SAS can read a variety of files as its data sources like CSV, Excel, Access, SPSS and also raw data. It also has many in-built data sources available for use.

The Data Sets are called temporary Data Set if they are used by the SAS program and then discarded after the session is run.
But if it is stored permanently for future use then it is called a permanent Data set. All permanent Data Sets are stored under a specific library.

The SAS Data set is stored in form of rows and columns and also referred as SAS Data table. Below we see the examples of permanent Data sets which are in-built as well as red from external sources.

SAS Built-In Data Sets

These Data Sets are already available in the installed SAS software. They can be explored and used in formulating sample expressions for data analysis. To explore these data sets go to Libraries -> My Libraries -> SASHELP. On expanding it we see the list of names of all the built-in Data Sets available.

Let’s scroll down to locate a Data Set named CARS. Double clicking on this Data Set opens it in the right window pane where we can explore it further. We can also minimize the left pane by using the maximize view button under the right pane.

We can scroll to the right using the scroll bar in the bottom to explore all the columns and theirs values in the table.

Importing External Data Sets

We can export our own files as Data sets by using the import feature available in SAS Studio. But these files must be available in the SAS server folders. So, we have to upload the source data files to SAS folder by using the upload option under the Server Files and Folders.

Next, we use the above file in a SAS program by importing it. To do this we use the option Tasks -> Utilities -> Import data as shown below. Double click the Import Data button which opens up the window in the right to choose the file for the Data Set.

Next Click on the Select Files button under the import data program in the right pane. The following are the list of the file types which can be imported.

We choose the “employee.txt” file stored in the local system and get the file imported as shown below.

View the imported data

We can view the imported data by running the default import code generated using the Run option

We can import any other file types using the same approach as above and use it in various SAS programs.

So, this brings us to the end of blog. This Tecklearn ‘SAS – Data Sets’ 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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About the Course

SAS Certification Training is intended to make you an expert in SAS programming and Analytics. You will be able to analyse and write SAS code for real problems, learn to use SAS to work with datasets, perform advanced statistical techniques to obtain optimized results with Advanced SAS programming. In this SAS online training course, you will also learn SAS macros, Machine Learning, PROC SQL, procedure, statistical analysis and decision trees. You will also work on real-life projects and prepare for the SAS Certified Base Programmer certification exam. Upon the completion of this SAS online training, you will have enough proficiency in reading spreadsheets, databases, using SAS functions for manipulating this data and debugging it.

Why Should you take SAS Training?

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SAS, Google, Facebook, Twitter, Netflix, Accenture & other MNCs worldwide are using SAS for their Data analysis activities and advance their existing systems.
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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

Got a question for us? Please mention it in the comments section and we will get back to you.

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