How are missing character variables represented in SAS?

In SAS, missing character variables are represented as a blank space. This is important to understand because it impacts how data is handled in datasets and during data analysis. When a character variable does not have a value, SAS assigns it a blank value, which essentially means it is empty.

This representation allows for the distinction between actual data entries and non-existent data. For instance, when performing data manipulations or analyses, SAS treats these blank spaces differently compared to numeric missing values, which are typically represented by a dot. Recognizing this difference ensures accurate data handling and reporting in SAS processes.

Other options do not accurately represent how missing character variables are treated in SAS. Zero and the question mark are more relevant in contexts involving numeric variables or specific formats, while the keyword 'missing' is used in SAS programming but does not represent the actual value of a missing character variable in a dataset.