What does the PUT function do in a SAS program?

The PUT function in a SAS program is used to format variable values as character strings. This function takes a numeric or character input and converts it into a character string, applying a specified format to the value during the conversion process. For instance, if you have a numeric variable and you want to display it in a specific style, such as currency or date format, the PUT function allows you to do that seamlessly.

Using the PUT function is particularly beneficial when preparing data for display or reporting, as it enables you to present numeric data in a more readable and user-friendly format. By specifying different formats, users can effectively customize how the data appears, which is crucial for generating reports and ensuring that data meets presentation standards.

This understanding of the PUT function clarifies its importance in data manipulation and presentation within SAS, linking formatting directly to the process of converting values from one type to another, specifically targeting character outputs.