When should the INFILE method be preferred over DATALINES?

The INFILE method should be preferred when the data comes from an external source because this method is designed specifically for reading data that is stored in files outside of the SAS environment. Using the INFILE statement allows you to specify the path to an external data file, enabling you to efficiently import large sets of data that may be in different formats, such as CSV or plain text.

This approach is particularly advantageous for managing datasets that are frequently updated or sourced from external databases, ensuring that the most current data is always accessed without the need to hard-code any data directly into the program. Moreover, INFILE provides more flexibility with control over the input data format and options for handling various delimiters and line endings.

In contrast, the DATALINES method is suitable for small and static datasets coded directly within the SAS program. While it is convenient for testing and quick trials, it lacks the scalability and adaptability required for handling data sourced from external files effectively. Additionally, DATALINES is not ideal when dealing with larger or dynamic datasets since it requires the data to be embedded within the program code itself, limiting its practical application in real-world scenarios where data may reside outside of the programming environment.