topic How does the data step statement set with point=v option works when v has a 0 or negative value? in SAS Programming

How does the data step statement set with point=v option works when v has a 0 or negative value?

Steve1964 — Mon, 09 Dec 2019 00:17:30 GMT

run the following data step

data test;

p=-2;

set sashelp.class point=p;

run;

There is no error message and data step fall a dead loop! I just wonder to where the pointer pointed when the value of p is negative and why no error message in log window.

Re: How does the data step statement set with point=v option works when v has a 0 or negative val

novinosrin — Mon, 09 Dec 2019 01:32:42 GMT

Hi @Steve1964 The reason for infinite loop is because when point= option random direct access is used based on observation number, SAS can't find the "End of file" marker. Therefore you would need a STOP statement to end the datastep iteration.

Add a STOP after the set statement and take a look at the log, you should see the invalid OBS No of point=var option triggering _ERROR_ =1 .