Import Excel file using SAS data step

[axescot78]

Is it possible to import an Excel file using SAS data step?

[PaigeMiller]

It may be possible, but the effort required to write DATA step code from scratch probably isn't worth the effort. PROC IMPORT is one way to go. A LIBNAME statement with engine EXCEL is another way to go.

Why do you ask?

[ChrisHemedinger]

Reading an Excel into SAS is supported by a couple of methods:

• PROC IMPORT with DBMS=XLSX (there are other DBMS options for older Excel files, but XLSX is generally what is used)
• LIBNAME XLSX  - treats your Excel file like a library and each sheet is a data set

See this article for more information: How Do I Read and Write Excel Files Using SAS? Q&A, Slides, and On-Demand Recording 

[ballardw]

Some people misunderstand CSV, a text file format, as an "Excel" file because of the association with the program will often open in Excel by default. For these files a data step is actually the better method to read the files as you control all the details of variable type, name, labels and can even use custom informats to read certain types of problematic values.