How can you merge two datasets in SAS?

Merging two datasets in SAS is effectively accomplished using the MERGE statement within a DATA step. When using this approach, datasets are combined based on one or more common key variables, allowing for the integration of rows that share those key values. This method ensures that associated data from both datasets is aligned correctly in the resulting dataset.

The MERGE statement works within the context of a DATA step, where SAS automatically aligns the observations based on the specified key variables. This alignment results in a single dataset that contains all the variables from both source datasets, facilitating comprehensive analysis of the combined data.

In contrast, while the APPEND procedure can be used to add the observations of one dataset to another, it does not merge datasets based on common variables, thus not fully accomplishing the goal of merging per the traditional definition. The SQL JOIN statement can also merge data based on keys; however, this is executed in SQL syntax rather than the DATA step method typically seen in base SAS merges. Concatenating data using a DATA step operates by stacking datasets on top of each other rather than merging their contents based on key variables, which is distinctly different from the merging process.

Therefore, the most straightforward and effective way to merge two datasets in SAS is by utilizing the MERGE statement