What is the default sorting order when using PROC SORT?

The default sorting order in PROC SORT is ascending order. When you use PROC SORT without specifying the ORDER option, SAS automatically organizes the data from the smallest value to the largest value based on the variable(s) included in the sorting process. This is particularly useful because it allows users to easily obtain a well-structured dataset for further analysis, where the data values are arranged in a logical, increasing sequence.

For instance, if you were sorting a numeric variable, it would arrange the values beginning from the minimum and going to the maximum. Similarly, for character variables, SAS sorts alphabetically from A to Z. This default behavior eliminates the need for additional specifications if ascending order is desired, streamlining the sorting process for users.