Chapter Summary
Text Summary
How SAS Processes Programs
A
SAS DATA step is processed in two distinct phases. During the
compilation phase, each statement is scanned for syntax errors.
During the execution phase, the DATA step writes observations to
the new data set.
Compilation Phase
At
the beginning of the compilation phase, the input buffer and the
program data vector are created. The program data vector is the
area of memory where one observation at a time is processed. Two
automatic variables are also created: _N_ counts the number of DATA
step executions, and _ERROR_ signals the occurrence of a data
error. DATA step statements are checked for syntax errors, such as
invalid options or misspellings.
Execution Phase
During the ...
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