Normally, the format associated with a variable stays in effect only for that programming step. But SAS software also gives you the option of permanently assigning a format to a variable. In addition, you can define your own formats and store them for future use.

This lesson contains 34 pages and takes approximately 45-60 minutes to complete.

Objectives This lesson begins with a review of SAS formats and how formats are temporarily associated with variable values. Then you learn how to permanently associate a format with a variable create your own formats to display variable values permanently store the formats that you create. Prerequisites Before taking this lesson, you should have completed the following lessons: Introduction to SAS Programming Working in the SAS Environment Basic Concepts Editing and Debugging SAS Programs Setting Up Your SAS Session Creating SAS Data Sets (at least one of the following) Reading Raw Data Reading and Concatenating SAS Data Sets Merging SAS Data Sets Producing Basic Reports Creating List Reports