Data Structures (from Fraktal SAS Programming)

Why "Data Structures"?

As in other software systems, SAS makes use of purpose-related data structures, being aware of the advantages emerging from appropriately structured data.

Apart from nowadays well known data tables and data views, SAS provides the programmer with a generalized approach on views beyond SQL views as well as ultra-fast read-only structures for left outer joins and, finally, a metadata repository in physical memory (!) with support for hierarchical modular programming.

• Balancing storage demand, processing speed and flexibility at runtime by properly utilizing Tables and Views in SAS and DBMS.
• Structure and organize your runtime information to get a maximum of code from a minimum of programming effort.
• Enrich your basic data design by adding fields with a SAS technique for fast left outer joins.

So, the answer is: "Data structures are the key to flexibility and efficiency in SAS programming!"