What does an ID statement do in SAS?

The ID statement in SAS is utilized in procedures that generate reports, such as PROC PRINT or PROC SORT. Its purpose is to specify variables that should be used to identify and label the rows of output. By using the ID statement, you can ensure that a particular variable, such as an ID number or a name, is printed at the beginning of each row in the resulting output. This enhances clarity and helps individuals viewing the results to easily identify the records being represented.

The function of the ID statement does not involve defining variable formats, containing data for analysis, or merging datasets. Those functions are associated with other components in SAS. Format definition typically uses a FORMAT statement, data analysis is handled through various procedures and data steps, and dataset merging is conducted using the MERGE statement or PROC SQL joins. Hence, the ID statement distinctly serves to label rows in outputs effectively.