What does the DSD option in SAS do when reading data?

The DSD option in SAS stands for "delimiter-sensitive data," and its primary function is to handle data that is delimited by specific characters, typically commas. When reading data with the DSD option enabled, SAS is capable of properly interpreting fields that may include delimiters within quoted strings.

One of the key features of the DSD option is its ability to read data records accurately even when they contain missing values. When a missing value is present, DSD treats consecutive delimiters as representing these missing fields and still brings in all the data present. This means that even though some fields may be blank (missing), the reading process continues without interruption, ensuring that all other fields are read as expected.

This allows for greater flexibility when processing datasets that may not have complete data, as it accounts for the inherent variability in data collection and reporting practices. By correctly reading incomplete records, DSD assists in maintaining data integrity and provides a more comprehensive view of the dataset being analyzed.