The DATA step
component object interface enables you to create and manipulate predefined
component objects in a DATA step.
To declare and create
a component object, you use either the DECLARE statement by itself
or the DECLARE statement and _NEW_ operator together.
Component
objects are data elements that consist of attributes,
methods, and operators. Attributes are the
properties that specify the information that is associated with an
object. Methods define the operations that
an object can perform. For component objects, operators provide
special functionality.
You use the DATA step
object dot notation to access the component object's attributes and
methods.
Note: The DATA step component object's
statements, attributes, methods, and operators are limited to those
that are defined for these objects. You cannot use the SAS Component
Language functionality with these predefined DATA step objects.