Modifying SAS Data Set Names and Variable Attributes

Introduction to Modifying SAS Data Set Names and Variable Attributes

SAS enables you to modify data set names and variable attributes without creating new data sets. In this section, you will learn how to use statements in the DATASETS procedure to do the following:

rename data sets
rename variables
modify variable formats
modify variable labels

This section focuses on using the DATASETS procedure to modify data sets. However, you can also use some of the illustrated statements and options to modify other types of SAS files.

Note: You cannot use the DATASETS procedure to change the values of observations, to create or delete variables, or to change the type or length of variables. These modifications are done with DATA step statements and functions. [cautionend]

Prerequisites

Before using this section, you should understand the concepts presented in the following sections:

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