Using the XML engine with the DATA step
or with PROC COPY provides these advantages:
-
XML data is stored as text. Unlike
SAS files, XML documents can be read and updated by using a text editor.
-
XML documents can be imported into
applications other than SAS applications. For example, an XML document
can be input to an Oracle application or it can be delivered to the
Web. It can also be restored as a SAS data set for continued processing.
If compatibility with other programs is important for your data, the
XML engine is recommended.
-
The XML engine supports SAS 8 and
later features. Unlike the XPORT engine, the XML engine supports SAS
8 features such as long names.