The IMPORT Procedure

Overview: PROC IMPORT

The IMPORT procedure reads data from an external data source and writes it to a SAS data set. External data sources can include:

Microsoft Access databases
Microsoft Excel workbooks
Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheets
Paradox files
SPSS files
Stata files
dBase
JMP files
delimited files

Delimited files contain columns of data values that are separated by a delimiter, such as a blank or a comma.

The SAS variable definitions are based on the input records. The IMPORT procedure imports the data using one of the following methods:

generated DATA step code
generated SAS/ACCESS code
translation engines

Customize the results with statements and options that are specific to the input data source. The IMPORT procedure generates a SAS data set and writes information about the import to the SAS log. The DATA step or the SAS/ACCESS code that the IMPORT procedure generates is written to the log. If a translation engine is used, no code is submitted.

To import data, you can use the Import Wizard, which is a windowing tool that guides you through the steps to import an external data source. You can request that the Import Wizard generate IMPORT procedure statements, which you can save for subsequent use. To open the Import Wizard, select File Import Data from the SAS windowing environment.

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