SAS Data Sets

Overview of Data Sets

A SAS data set is a file that consists of two parts: a descriptor portion and a data portion. Sometimes a SAS data set also points to one or more indexes, which enable SAS to locate rows in the data set more efficiently. (The data sets that are shown in this chapter do not contain indexes.) Extended attributes are user-defined attributes that further define a SAS data set.
Figure 2.6 Parts of a SAS Data Set
Graphic presentation of the parts of a SAS data set

Descriptor Portion

The descriptor portion of a SAS data set contains information about the data set, including the following:
  • the name of the data set
  • the date and time that the data set ...

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