Understanding the Difference between RETAIN Statement and RETAIN Function in SAS Programming
When it comes to SAS programming, the RETAIN statement and the RETAIN function serve distinct purposes, despite sharing a common keyword. Let's delve into the key differences between the two:
RETAIN Statement
The RETAIN statement in SAS is used to prevent automatic variable initialization in a DATA step. It is commonly used to retain the value of a variable from the previous iteration of the data step. By using the RETAIN statement, you can maintain the value of a variable across iterations without needing to reassign it in each iteration.
RETAIN Function
On the other hand, the RETAIN function in SAS is utilized to obtain the value of a variable from the previous iteration of the DATA step. This function is used within a data step to retrieve the retained value of a variable, acting similarly to the RETAIN statement. However, it is important to note that the RETAIN function is a read-only function and cannot be used to assign values to variables.
Focus Keyword: RETAIN Statement vs. RETAIN Function
In summary, while both the RETAIN statement and the RETAIN function in SAS are related to retaining variable values across iterations, the key difference lies in their functionality. The RETAIN statement is used to maintain variable values, whereas the RETAIN function is used solely to retrieve the retained value without the ability to assign new values. Understanding the distinction between these two is essential for efficient and effective SAS programming.
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