What is the REAL function used for in SAS?

The REAL function in SAS is utilized to convert character values that represent numeric values into actual numeric values. This is particularly important when working with data that may be read in as characters, such as those imported from text files or entered incorrectly during data collection. By using the REAL function, you ensure that the values can be manipulated mathematically as numeric variables, allowing for calculations, statistical analyses, and other numerical operations.

While the conversion of character to numeric is crucial, rounding numbers, formatting data for output, and creating new variables are handled by other functions or procedures in SAS. Rounding can be accomplished using the ROUND function, while data formatting and variable creation can be managed through various assignment and format statements. Understanding the specific purpose of the REAL function helps clarify its role and utility in data manipulation within SAS programs.