I wonder if a full outer join in proc sql is the equivalent of a merge using if (A or B).
DATA All;
MERGE West(IN=A)
East(IN=B);
BY Id;
IF A OR B;
RUN;
Depends on if you have multiple instances of your BY variables.
There's several good write ups on data step vs sql joins - search on lexjansen.com
SQL will give you the cartesian product, while the data step will give you as many records for a given by value as were present in one of the input datasets.
example:
dataset a has 2 records for x = 1, while dataset b has 3.
SQL (join on a.x = b.x) will give you six records (all combinations), the data step merge (by x; with if a or b;) 3.
Here is a nice pictorial of SQL joins:
Registration is open! SAS is returning to Vegas for an AI and analytics experience like no other! Whether you're an executive, manager, end user or SAS partner, SAS Innovate is designed for everyone on your team. Register for just $495 by 12/31/2023.
If you are interested in speaking, there is still time to submit a session idea. More details are posted on the website.
Learn the difference between classical and Bayesian statistical approaches and see a few PROC examples to perform Bayesian analysis in this video.
Find more tutorials on the SAS Users YouTube channel.