What is a PROC SORT statement used for?

The PROC SORT statement is specifically designed to sort a dataset by specified variables. It allows users to organize their data in ascending or descending order based on one or more variables cited in the procedure. This sorting process is crucial for operations that depend on a specific data order, like merging datasets, performing data analysis, or preparing data for reporting.

Sorting can enhance readability and allows for efficient data handling. For instance, if you want to analyze data trends or categorize results systematically, it is essential to first sort the dataset. Once sorted, subsequent steps or procedures can leverage this ordered arrangement.

The other options relate to different operations that can be performed with SAS:

• Merging datasets is achieved using a different procedure (like PROC MERGE) that combines datasets based on common variables.

• Creating summary statistics is typically done with procedures like PROC MEANS, PROC SUMMARY, or PROC FREQ, which summarize data rather than order it.

• Filtering observations based on criteria is accomplished with the WHERE statement or using procedures like PROC SQL, not by PROC SORT, which does not filter data but rearranges it.

Choosing to utilize PROC SORT efficiently prepares data for further analysis, making understanding its functionality vital for effective data management in SAS.