Understanding examples of arrays used to create variables

So far, when we have talked about arrays, we have focused on the technical aspects of programming them, such as their syntax and how they operate inside a data step. In this chapter, we will shift gears and focus on the practical side of using arrays to create variables en masse, which is often done when performing ETL protocols as part of managing a SAS data warehouse.

First, this section will focus on the most common use of arrays in SAS data warehouses, which is to create new warehouse variables based on variables that exist in the native dataset. Next, we will focus on how adding conditions to array processing can improve the quality of output, but can also add complexity to operations.

Array processing in SAS is fast and provides the warehouse manager with an opportunity to standardize ETL protocols. Standardizing can be done through array documentation and by using standard arrays during ETL. However, using arrays...