What does it mean that proc import 'uses a data step'?

[jaliu]

For example...

After proc import runs the DATA step to read the data, messages in the log verify that the data was read correctly.

But, there is no data step in the proc import step or procedure. 

[PaigeMiller · Accepted solution]

When you write a PROC IMPORT step to read certain types of files, PROC IMPORT creates data step code and then runs the data step code to read the file. If you look in the log, you should see it.