What is the function of the Double Trailing @@ Modifier?

The Double Trailing @@ Modifier functions by holding raw data records in the input buffer until the end of the line is reached. This allows SAS to read multiple records from the input data in a single line of code, enabling more efficient data handling when the structure of the input data file includes records that span multiple lines.

When you use the Double Trailing @@, it tells SAS to keep reading data into the input buffer if there’s more available, instead of ending the current record at the first newline character it encounters. This is particularly useful in scenarios where data entries may be concatenated across multiple lines or when you want to keep a group of related values together for further processing.

By allowing records to span multiple lines, the Double Trailing @@ enhances the flexibility in data handling, especially in cases where the input file format is not strictly defined by line breaks.