What is a variable list in SAS?

A variable list in SAS is indeed a compact way to write multiple variable names. This feature allows you to succinctly refer to a group of variables without having to write each one out in full. For example, if you have variables named Age, Height, and Weight, you could specify them in a variable list using a colon (:) to denote a range of variables or by using a set of names separated by spaces.

This approach not only saves time and enhances code readability but also helps to avoid errors that may arise from typing variable names individually. By utilizing a variable list, you can efficiently manage data manipulations and analyses, especially when working with datasets that include numerous variables.

The other choices, while valuable in their own contexts, do not accurately represent the primary concept of a variable list. Documentation, summarization, and special data types do not encapsulate the function and purpose of a variable list in SAS syntax and operations.