Introduction to SAS Functions

A FUNCTION returns a value from a computation or system manipulation that requires zero or more arguments. And, like most programming languages, the SAS System provides an extensive library of “built-in” functions. SAS has more than 190 functions for a variety of programming tasks. This tutorial will cover the syntax for invoking functions, an overview of the functions available, examples of commonly used functions, selected character handling and numeric functions, and some tricks and applications of functions that will surprise you. Breaking Down a FUNCTION Syntax Given the above definition of a function, the syntax and components should be examined. A function recognized in a SAS statement by the use of a function name, followed immediately by function argument(s), separated by commas, and enclosed in parentheses. For a function requiring two arguments the syntax is as follows: FUNCTIONNAME(argument-1, argument-2) where the arguments are: constants variables expressions other functions Several functions take no arguments, in which case a null set of parentheses is required. For instance, the TODAY function returns today’s date from the system clock, requiring no arguments: DATA NEW; X = TODAY() ; PUT ‘X= ‘ X MMDDYY8. ; RUN;