TYPE= Data Set Option

Specifies the data set type for a specially structured SAS data set.

Valid in: DATA step and PROC steps
Category: Data Set Control

Syntax

Syntax Description

data-set-type

specifies the special type of data set.

Details

Use the TYPE= data set option in a DATA step to perform these tasks:
  • to create a special SAS data set in the proper format
  • to identify the special type of SAS data set in a procedure statement
You can use the CONTENTS procedure to determine the type of data set.
Most SAS data sets do not have a specified type. However, there are several specially structured SAS data sets that are used by some SAS/STAT procedures. These SAS data sets contain special variables and observations, and they are usually created by SAS statistical procedures. Because most of the special SAS data sets are used with SAS/STAT software, they are described in the SAS/STAT User's Guide. Some of the special data sets are CORR, COV, SSPC, EST, and FACTOR.
Additional values are available in other SAS software products and are described in the appropriate documentation.
Note: If you use a DATA step with a SET statement to modify a special SAS data set, you must specify the TYPE= option in the DATA statement. The data-set-type is not automatically copied to the data set that is created.

See Also

CONTENTS Procedure in Base SAS Procedures Guide