Parameters are often the names of your variables or data sets. Options are keywords specific to a particular SAS statement. Assignment statements used to create new variables or modify the values of existing variables have the familiar algebraic form you use when calculating these variables by hand. A missing semicolon is a very common syntax error and one that is hard for SAS error checking procedures to identify. For this reason the error messages you receive are often unclear.
SAS statements are free-format.
This means a statement can begin and end anywhere on a line, one statement can continue over several lines, several statements can be on one line, and as many blanks as you like can be used to separate fields. Adding a blank line and comment between steps is also helpful. Rules for SAS Names SAS uses names to identify variable names, data sets, formats, arrays, libraries and files. Use comment statements to make your program easier to read and edit. SAS ignores comment statements.