data step option index=

[tweaked2005]

Does anyone have a good definition (without the word index in it) for what the the index= means in the dataset below.

data new(index=var1); set old;run;

 

[jymm]

usually I think of an index as something that would either:
1) order the data differently than what it is stored -or-
2) create a way to find observations faster

so your statement above would create an 'index' (ok - sorry - had to use the word) that will allow you to get the observations faster. Think of it as a card catalogue from an older library - just as each book has a number which will allow you to find the book faster, the index=var1 above will allow the new dataset to be searched faster for specific records.

index is a term that is used EVERYWHERE you are getting data - pretty much means the same thing across the board.

This help?