Can I update Description on Dataset?

[80sMetalForever]

Is it possible for me to update the Description of dataset metadata? For instance if you right click on a dataset > Properties there is a Description field which I'd like to use for notes.

[Fugue]

Are you referring to the data set label?

[ChrisHemedinger]

There's a Data Set Label, which you can update using PROC DATASETS.  You can also embed lots more information using Extended Attributes (new in SAS 9.4).  See more:

How to store data about your data in your data - The SAS Dummy

Chris

[80sMetalForever]

thanks - I've enclosed a snippet of what I'm talking about. I did update the LABEL and confirmed that this is different from the Description as the Description is still blank. I created this table myself so I'm curious if I can apply the Description.

[ChrisHemedinger · Accepted solution]

The Description field -- if it has a value -- comes from SAS Metadata.  For example, you can see the Description in the Properties for a SAS server (ex: SASApp) and for metadata-registered SAS libraries. 

The value for this Description field does not come from the SAS data set itself.  For regular SAS tables that aren't registered in SAS Metadata, the field will be blank.

Chris

[80sMetalForever]

perfect, thanks for the explanation! It's too bad as I could see this helpful to add notes for "less techy" personnel that are in the system as they could just right-click and get more info.