What format does the DATALINES statement use by default to separate data?

The DATALINES statement in SAS is designed to allow data entry directly within the program, providing a method to input data without the need for an external file. By default, the DATALINES statement separates data values using blank spaces. This means that when you write your data in a DATALINES section, any sequences of characters that are separated by spaces are treated as distinct values. This can often be convenient as it allows for a straightforward way to input data directly into a SAS data set without having to specify separators, making it user-friendly for initializing small datasets.

While other formats like commas or tabs can be used for data separation in different contexts (such as CSV files or specific input statements), in the case of DATALINES, blank spaces fulfill the requirement for delineating separate values. Therefore, understanding this default behavior is crucial for correctly setting up your data in SAS.