Importing Data in SAS is a crucial step in data analysis. The process involves bringing external data into SAS for engineer and analysis. To accomplish this, SAS provides versatile procedures and methods for reading various types of data formats, such as CSV, Excel, and Paradox etc. Utilizing the DATA step or PROC IMPORT, users can seamlessly import data, specifying data types, column names, and other attributes.
One commonly used method is the IMPORT procedure, allowing users to read data from external files and automatically generate SAS datasets. Additionally, the flexible INFILE statement within the DATA step permits customization of the import process, handling special cases and diverse data structures. Whether dealing with large datasets or complex file formats, SAS provides a robust framework for importing data efficiently, laying the foundation for comprehensive statistical analysis and data-driven decision-making.
PROC IMPORT Syntax To Import CSV File
The syntax for the “PROC IMPORT” procedure in SAS typically involves specifying the data source and relevant options. Here’s a basic example for importing a CSV file:
PROC IMPORT DATAFILE=”your_file_path.csv”
OUT=your_output_dataset
DBMS=CSV
REPLACE;
RUN;
DATAFILE: Specifies the path and filename of the external data source.
OUT: Specifies the name of the SAS dataset to be created.
DBMS: Specifies the type of data source. For a CSV file, it is set to “CSV.”
REPLACE: Optional statement that replaces the existing dataset if it already exists.
Keep in mind that the specific options may vary based on the type of data source (CSV, Excel, database, etc.). Also, Path may vary based on you file bath.
Pro Tip: In order to avoid data truncation, add guessingrows statement, it specifies the number of rows to scan for further actions.
PROC CONTENTS
PROC CONTENTS DATA=your_output_dataset;
RUN;
Results: It will give you the content report.
Out Put Data: Your data file will be available to view or to work later.
PROC IMPORT Syntax To Import Excel File
Use Proc Import to import an excel file, with slight alteration of the code.
PROC IMPORT DATAFILE=”your_file_path.xlsx”
OUT=your_output_dataset
DBMS=xlsx
REPLACE;
RUN;
Once you import an excel file DBMS must be specified as “xlsx”. Import in SAS reads the first sheet of the excel by default. Include sheet parameters to deal with this problem with sheet names specified. We can also import other data file types, the key is to specify the correct options in the PROC IMPORT statement bases on our data source.
Consult SAS documentation for the specific procedure and options applicable to your format and source.