A question in terns of "index" in SAS programming

[jc3992]

Hello everyone,

I have an SAS question in terms of the "index" when doing "rename", as follows:

The SAS data set WORK.TEST has an index on the variable ID and the following    
                                                                                
SAS program is submitted.                                                       
                                                                                
data WORK.TEST;                                                                 
  set WORK.TEST(                                                                
keep=ID Var_1 Var_2                                                             
rename=(ID=ID_Code);                                                            
Total=sum(Var_1 Var_2);                                                         
run;                                                                            
                                                                                
                                                                                
Which describes the result of submitting the SAS program?                       
                                                                                
A.                                                                              
The index on ID is deleted.                                                     
                                                                                
B.                                                                              
The index on ID is updated as an index on ID_Code.      

C.                                                                              
The index on ID is deleted and an index on ID_Code is created.                  
                                                                                
D.                                                                              
The index on ID is recreated as an index on ID_Code.  

The answer seems A, and I wonder why. Any help would be appreciated.

I chose C.

[PGStats]

The datastep creates a new dataset for which no index is defined.

[jc3992]

Thank you very much! 

so the new data set (the new WORK.TEST) has no index?

Thank you!

[PGStats · Accepted solution]

Indeed. - Actually, if you run the code as given above, the dataset test will not be replaced because of syntax errors. The code is missing a comma and a closing parenthesis.

[Reeza]

Even if you use the same data set name, it essentially deletes and replace it. This is bad programming style and should not be used.

[PeterClemmensen]

Yes, the answer is A.

If you want to preserve the index, use the Copy Statement in PROC DATASETS with Index=YES (Default).