What is the difference between the RETAIN statement and the RETAIN keyword in SAS?

Understanding the Difference between the RETAIN Statement and the RETAIN Keyword in SAS

When it comes to SAS programming, it is crucial to differentiate between the RETAIN statement and the RETAIN keyword. Let's delve into the key distinctions:

Focus Keyword: RETAIN Statement vs. RETAIN Keyword

The RETAIN statement in SAS is used to explicitly retain variable values across iterations of the DATA step. This means that the values of specified variables are held from one observation to the next unless explicitly changed. The RETAIN statement helps in initializing values and managing the persistence of data within the DATA step.

On the other hand, the RETAIN keyword is used within the SET statement to retain the values of variables from the previous observation. It is particularly useful when you want to carry forward values from one observation to the next without the need for a separate RETAIN statement.

By understanding the distinction between the RETAIN statement and the RETAIN keyword in SAS, you can efficiently manage data retention and manipulation within your SAS programs.