http://dc-sug.org/super3.pdf




If anyone want to be a GOOD sas programmer, this paper is a must-read.

A SAS® Programmer's View of the SAS Supervisor  ---- Ian Whitlock

Though it was wroten in 1980's, it explains how SAS data step works crystal clear.

BTW -- Ian Whitlock is a SAS guru worldwide. Unfortunately he never wrote a SAS book.

Here is the link.

http://dc-sug.org/super3.pdf

Abstract:
This tutorial answers questions like:
· As a DATA step programmer, what do I need to know about the SAS supervisor and why?
· How does the SAS supervisor process DATA step code?
· How does a SAS MERGE work?
· What about engines, indexing, and views?
· What happens when my DATA step code contains macro variables?
· What if my DATA step invokes a macro or is contained in a macro?