topic Can proc sort returns different results in different runs for the same data. in SAS Programming

Can proc sort returns different results in different runs for the same data.

phadnismukta — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 06:36:25 GMT

I have a data with zip code and acc_nbr... when I sorted the data by zip code on different days, got same acct_nbr on different positions in the output data. Is it possible?

Re: Can proc sort returns different results in different runs for the same data.

Reeza — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 06:51:37 GMT

It’s possible...one way would be if you had ties in the data and they were sorted differently previously to this sort. So you have a different data set order passed to the proc sort with ties. If you have ties it’s best to do a double sort,with the first sort using an extra variable to control the order.

if you’re running the exact same program again, it’s unlikely. and I’d guess 99% of cases are some form of user error - like above.

@phadnismukta wrote:

I have a data with zip code and acc_nbr... when I sorted the data by zip code on different days, got same acct_nbr on different positions in the output data. Is it possible?

Re: Can proc sort returns different results in different runs for the same data.

Patrick — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 07:59:05 GMT

If you only sort by zip_number and not also by account_number within a zip number then yes, nothing will control the order of the account_numbers.

If your source table is a SAS data set (and not a database table) then using proc sort option EQUALS will return rows in the same "sub-" order as they were in the source table.

Re: Can proc sort returns different results in different runs for the same data.

Kurt_Bremser — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 07:56:28 GMT

On top of what others said, certain means of storage (SPDS) might also influence the outcome of a sort.

See Maxim 31. Take control and force any order you need.