Embrace the Evolution: Transitioning from Tasks to Steps in SAS Studio on SAS Viya 4
Have you seen the message in the Tasks section of the navigation pane in SAS Studio on SAS Viya 4, stating, 'The task functionality is being replaced by custom steps'? Discover all the details about this update in my latest post.
Overview
Tasks are point-and-click user interfaces designed to guide users through analytical processes. They have been a longstanding feature within SAS Studio, available across versions 3.x, 5.x, and 2024.x (see my previous post for versioning information) and all use the same XML-based task model language.
SAS Studio currently provides users with predefined tasks and the flexibility to create Custom tasks using the Common Task Model (CTM) tailored to their specific requirements. This approach remains consistent for SAS Studio versions 3.x and 5.x. However, in SAS Studio 2024.x, Custom tasks are superseded by Custom steps.
Custom steps offer enhanced functionality, allowing users to create tailored user interfaces to guide users through specific tasks, including analytical processes. These steps retain most of the functionality of Tasks while introducing additional features. For instance, Custom steps can operate independently or be integrated into a flow. In SAS Studio Analyst and SAS Studio Engineer, the Designer interface streamlines the process of creating these Custom steps.
For all of these reasons, Tasks in SAS Studio on SAS Viya 4 will reach end-of life (EOL) in 2024.12 stable release and 2025.03 LTS release*.
*Subject to Change
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Task?
Tasks are point-and-click user interfaces designed to guide users through analytical processes.
What is a Custom Step?
A custom step in SAS Studio on SAS Viya allows you to create a user interface to automatically update and run SAS code, enabling users to perform specific tasks efficiently. For more information, please see this SAS Viya Quick Start video on Creating Custom Steps by @StaceySyphus.
What’s the difference between a Task and a Custom Step?
The primary difference is the underlying technology used. Tasks use XML-based task model whilst Custom steps use a flexible JSON-based model for custom transformations.
Another significant difference is the use of a Visual Designer for creating Custom steps in SAS Studio Analyst and SAS Studio Engineer, allowing you to create a Custom step with knowledge of SAS programming, including macros.
For enhanced functionality, you can also integrate Python code in your custom step.
Last but not least, Custom steps can be used in flows and standalone mode, whilst Tasks can only be used in standalone mode.
What will happen to the Tasks currently provided with SAS Studio?
By the time Tasks reach EOL, most SAS-provided Tasks will be converted into SAS Studio steps and will be accessible in the Steps pane under their respective categories. Conversion of the remaining Tasks to SAS Studio steps will continue post-EOL. Currently, these steps can be used in Flows, but not in standalone mode. Step availability depends on your licence, please see this link for more information Summary of Flow Functionality.
What about my User-Created Task?
After Tasks reach EOL, you will still be able to see your Tasks in the navigation pane. Upon opening, a message detailing that Tasks are no longer a feature available in SAS Studio and will suggest converting your existing Task to a step using the conversion tool.
For more information, please see the SAS Help Centre | Convert Your SAS Studio Tasks to Custom Steps.
Where has the Task section in the navigation pane of SAS Studio gone?
In version 2024.07, the Task section of the navigation pane will not be shown by default. To access the Tasks pane (until Tasks are EOL) select View 
Closing
SAS Viya is updated continuously, with monthly releases that provide the latest bug fixes, security patches, and software enhancements. These updates are known as stable releases. Additionally, the long-term support (LTS) release is issued semi-annually, consolidating features, enhancements, bug fixes, and security patches from the stable releases.
To stay current with recent updates for your version, please review the Summary of Flow Functionality and a Summary of Custom Steps Functionality.
Acknowledgments
Special thanks to the SAS Studio Product Manager, @Alexey_Vodilin , for editing, contributions, and valuable suggestions for improving this article. Also special thanks to @StaceySyphus for the brilliant SAS Viya Quick Start videos and ongoing support.
If you are interested in learning more about Custom Steps in SAS Studio, the SAS Studio Learning Subscription contains the course Developing Custom Steps with SAS Studio Analyst.
Find more articles from SAS Global Enablement and Learning here.
