Introduction

The SQL procedure offers a variety of options that control processing. Some options control execution. For example, you can limit the number of rows read or written during a query. Other options control output. For example, you can control the appearance of long character columns, double-space output, or (as shown below) number your rows. Options are also available for testing and evaluating performance.

PROC SQL Output
Row FlightNumber Destination
1 182 YYZ
2 219 LHR
3 387 CPH
4 622 FRA
5 821 LHR
6 132 YYZ
7 271 CDG
8 182 YYZ
9 219 LHR
10 387 CPH


Metadata is a description or definition of data or information. SAS session metadata is stored in Dictionary tables, which are special, read-only SAS tables that contain information about SAS data libraries, SAS data sets, SAS macros, and external files that are available in the current SAS session. Dictionary tables also contain the settings for SAS system options and SAS titles and footnotes that are currently in effect. You can use the SQL procedure to access the metadata stored in Dictionary tables. For example, you can query a Dictionary table to find out which tables in a SAS library contain a specified column.



1 hour



In this lesson, you learn to

  • use PROC SQL options to control execution
  • use PROC SQL options to control output
  • use PROC SQL to evaluate performance
  • reset PROC SQL options without re-invoking the procedure
  • use Dictionary tables and views to obtain information about SAS files.

complete the following lessons:

  • .