Can you please provide an example of how to use file shortcuts with data the preexists with the software?
You really should start your own thread instead of resurrecting one this old.
Data that was installed with the SAS install should be in a defined LIBRARY. Data sets are referenced for use using library.datasetname in syntax.
For example one of the basic training data sets is the CLASS data set in the SASHELP library.
To print the data set (note the data= tells SAS where to look for data to use for just about any procedure)
Proc print data=sashelp.class; run;
Or to get counts of values in the data set:
Proc freq data=sashelp.class; run;
You can get details about your currently defined Libraries using this code:
Proc print data=sashelp.vslib; run;
The SASHELP.VSLIB is a view of all the currently defined libraries in your system. It will show the name of the LIBRARY and physical path to the disk location(s) the library references, i.e. where the "shortcut" points.
You create your own libraries with a LIBNAME statement.
You can use Proc contents to list all the data sets in a library using the keyword _all_ :
Proc contents data=sashelp._all_; run;
This will also list the contents of all of the data sets by default so may create a far amount of output.
Other methods are available to explore libraries and data sets depending on the interface you are using.
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