Using labels and formats in processing
Up to now, we have applied labels and formats, but we have not seen how these labels and formats are handled in PROCs (with the exception of PROC CONTENTS
, where the attached labels and formats are printed on the output). In this section, we use PROC FREQ
to demonstrate how labels and formats can improve the display of data. First, we observe how labels and formats can provide clarification on PROC FREQ
output. Next, we consider what would be necessary to maintain updated labels and formats on all variables in a SAS data warehouse. Practical challenges to maintaining labels and formats are discussed.
Unlike files that are readable in many programs, such as tables stored in *.csv
format, SAS format and label files are only usable in the SAS application. Therefore, if the SAS data warehouse intends to use another application for data visualization—such as R or Tableau—the SAS format and label files can't be used. The information...