Statistical Analysis System (SAS) Programming Certification Practice Exam

If SAS cannot interpret syntax errors, what happens to the DATA step?

1. Data set variables contain missing values.

2. The DATA step does not compile.

3. The DATA step still compiles, but it does not execute.

4. The DATA step still compiles and executes.

The correct answer is: The DATA step still compiles, but it does not execute.

When SAS encounters syntax errors in a DATA step, it can often still compile the code even if there are mistakes present. This means that the compiler has processed the DATA step to some extent and has created an executable code structure. However, due to the syntax errors, the actual execution of the DATA step will not occur successfully. As a result, the DATA step may generate a log with error messages indicating what went wrong, but it does not execute correctly. This option highlights the distinction between compiling and executing code in SAS. While the compilation process may identify some elements of the code, the presence of syntax errors prevents the program from being fully operational. Consequently, the DATA step fails to produce the expected output, despite having a compiled structure. The other choices describe scenarios that do not accurately reflect the behavior of SAS when it encounters such syntax errors. For instance, stating that variables contain missing values implies that some processing has taken place, which does not hold true when execution does not occur. Additionally, suggesting that the DATA step does not compile at all overlooks the fact that compilation can occur even with errors present, as long as those errors do not obstruct the fundamental syntax necessary for creating a valid DATA step.