Comparing PROC SQL with the SAS DATA Step

PROC SQL can perform some of the operations that are provided by the DATA step and the PRINT, SORT, and SUMMARY procedures. The following query displays the total population of all the large countries (countries with population greater than 1 million) on each continent.

proc sql;
   title 'Population of Large Countries Grouped by Continent';
   select Continent, sum(Population) as TotPop format=comma15.
      from sql.countries
      where Population gt 1000000
      group by Continent
      order by TotPop;
quit;

Sample SQL Output

Population of Large Countries Grouped by Continent

Here is a SAS program that produces the same result.

title 'Large Countries Grouped by Continent';
proc summary data=sql.countries;
   where Population > 1000000;
   class Continent;
   var Population;
   output out=sumPop sum=TotPop;
run;

proc sort data=SumPop;
   by totPop;
run;

proc print data=SumPop noobs;
   var Continent TotPop;
   format TotPop comma15.;
   where _type_=1;
run;

Sample DATA Step Output

This example shows that PROC SQL can achieve the same results as Base SAS software but often with fewer and shorter statements. The SELECT statement that is shown in this example performs summation, grouping, sorting, and row selection. It also displays the query's results without the PRINT procedure.

PROC SQL executes without using the RUN statement. After you invoke PROC SQL you can submit additional SQL procedure statements without submitting the PROC statement again. Use the QUIT statement to terminate the procedure.