Proc compare to compare the data sets

[Sandeep77]

Hi Experts,

I want to compare two huge data set with lot of rows and columns. With proc compare can I compare the entire data set or I have to select few columns and then compare? Also, is there a link where I can check how to write the proc compare statement?

[Quentin]

Yes, PROC COMPARE can compare entire datasets. 

See the documentation:

https://documentation.sas.com/doc/en/pgmsascdc/9.4_3.5/proc/n1nwxbchh5hpu1n1h28kmici2awd.htm

proc compare base=dataset1 compare=dataset2;
  id PatientID;  *Almost always you want an ID statement, otherwise it will compare by row;
run;
  

[kleelasiva9]

Q: With proc compare can I compare the entire data set or I have to select few columns and then compare?

Ans: Both, but by default proc compare compares entire dataset. Using Var statement restricts the comparison of the values of variables to the ones named in the VAR statement.

Q: Also, is there a link where I can check how to write the proc compare statement?

https://documentation.sas.com/doc/en/pgmsascdc/9.4_3.5/proc/n1xrf09nbjnxjzn1kdmbcajf1s1v.htm 

https://documentation.sas.com/doc/en/pgmsascdc/9.4_3.5/proc/n0c1y14wyd3u7yn1dmfcpaejllsn.htm 

[ballardw]

---

@Sandeep77 wrote:

Hi Experts,

I want to compare two huge data set with lot of rows and columns. With proc compare can I compare the entire data set or I have to select few columns and then compare? Also, is there a link where I can check how to write the proc compare statement?

---

If you have any doubt about the order of data you may need to consider sorting by variables at sufficient level to identify unique records. If the data is identical other than sort order you will get many mismatches because record 1 is compared with record 1, 2 with 2, 3 with 3 by default.