SAS processing is the way that the SAS language
reads and transforms
input data and generates the kind of output that you request. The DATA step
and the procedure (PROC) step are the two steps in the SAS language. Generally,
the DATA step manipulates data, and the PROC step analyzes data, produces
output, or manages SAS files. These two types of steps, used alone or combined,
form the basis of SAS programs.
The following figure shows a high level view of SAS
processing using a DATA step and a PROC step. The figure focuses primarily
on the DATA step.
SAS Processing
![[IMAGE]](./images/01405161.gif)
You can use different types of data as input to a DATA step.
The DATA step is composed of SAS statements that you write, which contain
instructions for processing the data. As each DATA step in a SAS program is
compiling or executing, SAS generates a log that contains processing messages
and error messages. These messages can help you debug a SAS
program.
Copyright 1999 by SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA. All rights reserved.
