where is dictionary.columns

[George_S]

Hello everyone,

I have a question:we can use dictionary.columns dataset to gather information of any datasets in SAS but

Where is dictionary.columns dataset?

Thanks !

[Hima]

The dictionary tables are in library called DICTIONARY, a 9 letter libref, and as we know, SAS librefs are limited to 8 characters so the views are needed to get access to the dictionary tables in DATA and PROC steps. These views are in the SASHELP library. The Dictionary Tables are only accessible through PROC SQL whereas, the

views are accessible from any SAS proc or data step as well as the SAS explorer window.

[ballardw · Accepted solution]

They are VIEWS in the SASHELP library. The DICTIONARY entries start their names with V. So DICTIONARY.COLUMNS is SASHELP.Vcolumn.