initializing variable in retain statement

[SAS_inquisitive]

When variables in retain statement are  need to initialize and when not? 

[LinusH]

That depends on the logic in your data step.

[SAS_inquisitive]

@LinusH .can you give an example?

[LinusH]

I think your inquiry seems a bit theoretical. It's better if you have an issue that needs to be resolved concerning RETAIN.

[SAS_inquisitive]

Ok. I will try to come up with one.

[ballardw · Accepted solution]

If I need to USE the variable before it is assigned from some other calculation it should be initialized. One very minor example of that would be a counter variable that would need to start at 1000 (or some series range indicator) so that the first time I used Counter +1; the result was 1001 instead of 1.

If the only purpose were to save a value that was calculated or created in the current record for use on the next then initialization likely wouldn't be needed though you might need a Length statement for character variables (always a good idea).