How to Debug SAS DATA Step

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Learn how to use the SAS DATA step debugger to save time and become a more productive programmer. You will learn:

• what the SAS DATA step debugger is and where to find it
• how to use the debugger to set breakpoints, watch values and solve logic problems
• what the limitations of the debugger are.

Presented at SAS Explore 2023 - slide presentation is attached to this article.

Learn more at:

• How do I debug SAS DATA Step? Q&A, Slides, and On-Demand Recording (Ask the Expert webinar)
• Using the DATA step debugger in SAS Enterprise Guide (blog)

For completeness, I've also included the animated images used during demonstration.

Debug IF vs WHERE (WHERE example)

Debug IF vs WHERE (IF example)

Setting a conditional breakpoint

FIRSt-dot and LAST-dot processing in the PDV

Closer look at INFILE and INPUT processing

DATA step arrays in the Watch window (SAS Studio view)