WHAT IS SQL AND HOW IT COMES IN THE PICTURE OF SAS

What is SQL?

Structured Query Language (SQL) is a standardized, widely used language that retrieves and updates data in relational tables and databases. Structured Query Language(SQL) is a domain-specific language used in programming and is designed for managing data held in a relational database management system (RDBMS), or for stream processing in a relational data stream management system (RDBMS). It is particularly useful in handling structured data where there are relations between different entities/variables of the data.

WHAT IS THE SQL PROCEDURE?

The SQL procedure is SAS' implementation of Structured Query Language. PROC SQL is a part of Base SAS software, and you can use it with any BASE SAS software. PROC SQL is just like any other SAS procedures. By default, PROC SQL returns a report, not a SAS data set.

Often, PROC SQL can be an alternative to other SAS procedures or the DATA step. PROC SQL is used to

generate reports

generate summary statistics

retrieve data from tables or views

combine data from tables or views

create tables, views, and indexes

update the data values in PROC SQL tables

update and retrieve data from database management system (DBMS) tables

modify a PROC SQL table by adding, modifying, or dropping columns.

PROC SQL can be used in an interactive SAS session or within batch programs, and it can include global statements, such as TITLE and OPTIONS.

TERMINOLOGY

A PROC SQL table is the same as a SAS data file. It is a SAS file of type DATA.

PROC SQL tables consist of rows and columns.

The rows correspond to observations in SAS data files, and the columns correspond to variables. The following table lists equivalent terms that are used in SQL, SAS, and traditional data processing

COMPARING PROC SQL WITH THE SAS DATA STEP

The basic differences between PROC SQL and Base SAS is that PROC SQL can achieve the same results as base SAS software but often with fewer and shorter statements. The SELECT statement in the SQL procedure can perform summation, grouping, sorting, and row selection. It also displays the query's results without the PRINT procedure.

PROC SQL executes without using the RUN statement whereas in BASE SAS run statement is used to execute any BASE SAS program or procedure. After you invoke PROC SQL you can submit additional SQL procedure statements without submitting the PROC statement again. Use the QUIT statement to terminate the PROC SQL procedure. In general, the SQL procedure requires more CPU time and memory than a DATA step. ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOw7Kalvp4g