Introduction
It is said that SAS is a language that is not only routine-oriented but is also step-oriented. One of the characteristic features of routine-oriented languages is that they pass information in the form of various augments. On the other hand, step-oriented languages are those which communicate with the help of data steps. So, we conclude that SAS is relatively an input-output bound language. When we look at this language from the planning point of view, we find that we can revise the code of attack in the beginning before proceeding to the syntax of the code. One of the prime features of SAS is that it can handle a voluminous amount of data with its great parallel processing capabilities. It is for this reason that SAS is becoming increasingly popular among different training institutes globally including the SAS institute in Malaysia.
Data step as a programming language
The increasing popularity of data step is due to the reason that it can execute tasks like data processing, manipulation, and structuring with a lot of ease. Re-structuring and editing of data is a characteristic feature of the data step. Ranging from the transformation of data from one form to another to minimization of complexities in a data set, the above programming language is a unique solution to all this. One of the chief requirements while processing data is to ensure that the originality of the data set does not change during the process. It needs to be noted at this point of time that data step rises to this expectation by maintaining the reliability and validity of data. With a variety of interesting features, it has been acknowledged as a system that handles a group of multiple and interactive programming languages on a single platform. The advantage of such features allows the programmers to specialize in a particular area without the knowledge of other areas on the same platform.
Specifications
In this programming language, the steps are executed once the step boundary is reached. This means that only a part of the code has been read while the remaining code is yet to be read. The beauty of this programming language is that the steps can be executed even if earlier steps have not been read. Such features prove to be very beneficial for code development. They also help in the process of debugging and getting fast feedback about the working of the code.
Concluding remarks
The data step is rightly called a future language of statistical systems. However, this language is open to modifications and advancements so that it can cater to other requirements of programmers in the long run.
