https://communities.sas.com/t5/SAS-Programming/Difference-between-and-eq/m-p/63257#M13764 The eq operator can only be used in comparisons, in IF and WHERE for example. The = operator can be used both in comparisons and in assignments.<BR /> <BR /> Some people think it's easier to read the code if using different operators in assignment and comparison statements, but technically, there is no difference.<BR /> <BR /> /Linus Fri, 28 Nov 2008 07:41:54 GMT LinusH 2008-11-28T07:41:54Z https://communities.sas.com/t5/SAS-Programming/Difference-between-and-eq/m-p/63256#M13763 I learned long ago that it is better to use 'eq' when making comparisons and to use the = sign when setting the value of a variable. As in <BR /> <BR /> if x eq 0 then y = 1;<BR /> <BR /> I have always done it this way, but I do not remember why. So today I was trying to fix a colleague's program which seemed logically correct on the surface, but the output was clearly wrong. Eventually I tried changing all his mathematical symbols to the letter equivilent (eq, gt, ....) and the program works correctly now. But I don't know how to explain WHY it should be this way (to a guy whose first language is not english but who makes his own electronic equipment for his guitar). Thu, 27 Nov 2008 17:23:38 GMT https://communities.sas.com/t5/SAS-Programming/Difference-between-and-eq/m-p/63256#M13763 deleted_user 2008-11-27T17:23:38Z https://communities.sas.com/t5/SAS-Programming/Difference-between-and-eq/m-p/63257#M13764 The eq operator can only be used in comparisons, in IF and WHERE for example. The = operator can be used both in comparisons and in assignments.<BR /> <BR /> Some people think it's easier to read the code if using different operators in assignment and comparison statements, but technically, there is no difference.<BR /> <BR /> /Linus Fri, 28 Nov 2008 07:41:54 GMT https://communities.sas.com/t5/SAS-Programming/Difference-between-and-eq/m-p/63257#M13764 LinusH 2008-11-28T07:41:54Z