topic Re: Why are certain options not listed in documentation? in Programming 1 and 2

Why are certain options not listed in documentation?

jaliu — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 17:53:53 GMT

For example, I don't see 'title' for many proc steps. And I don't see 'if' for data step. But they are options one can use in the software. I can't remember all the options so I need to use the documentation to succeed in the exam, and if there a multiple choice question I cannot see if something works or not. Is there any guide to understand how to use the documentation? It seems pretty complicated.

Re: Why are certain options not listed in documentation?

Reeza — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 18:17:35 GMT

TITLE is a global Statement (not option), an example of another is FOOTNOTES or FILENAME.
These are documented under GLOBAL statements
https://documentation.sas.com/doc/en/pgmsascdc/9.4_3.5/lestmtsglobal/titlepage.htm

These are global because they can be used almost anywhere in the code and are not required to be in a data step or proc.

The Statements valid in DATA steps are documented here:
https://documentation.sas.com/doc/en/pgmsascdc/9.4_3.5/lestmtsref/titlepage.htm

And then as you've noted each PROC has it's own documentation, but again, some of them have a general section if it applies to more than one procedure.
IE how categorical variables are handled is described centrally and duplicated somewhat in each proc as relevant.

Re: Why are certain options not listed in documentation?

Cynthia_sas — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 18:29:23 GMT

Hi:
And to add onto @Reeza's excellent response, statements that can be used by multiple procedures (such as TITLE, FOOTNOTE, FORMAT, LABEL or BY statements) will be found in the Dictionary of DATA step statements.
Cynthia.