It may help to answer such a question by providing the log with the code and all the notes.
And indicate which data set(s) have index on which variable(s).
You can also add the undocumented PROC SQL options _method and _tree to get more details on how PROC SQL is evaluating the query.
The optimal would a hash join, which requires that your left table fits into memory and uses index on the right table for the join criteria. You can affect the optimizer to chose this by adjusting the BUFFERSIZE option, but you cannnot force it.
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 how use the CAT functions in SAS to join values from multiple variables into a single value.
Find more tutorials on the SAS Users YouTube channel.