A syntax error might be generated if you use the statement style syntax for comments in PROC FORMAT. The example SAS^® log below illustrates this problem.

proc format;
2
3     * comment (a) comment;
4
5     v
      -
      180
5  ! alue age 1='1';
ERROR 180-322: Statement is not valid or it is used out of proper order.
 
NOTE: The previous statement has been deleted.
6
7    run;

The comment begins with an asterisk, causing PROC FORMAT to generate the error.

To correct the problem, use PL/I style comments. An example of this type of comment is:

/* My comment */ 

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