Maximum Size of Arrays in SAS 1

[ImSureThatShouldWork]

Just how big can you make _temporary_ Arrays in SAS?

My program design seems to require arrays of up to about 60,000 boxes, though not all will be populated.

Can SAS handle this to the limit of the hardware, or is there some sort of limit?

Thanks for any response

Cheers, Phil

 

[klaz2002]

Phil,
I believe that SAS can handle that size, but I wonder why you would need such a large array. Can you explain your need we may have an easier way of handling that kind of load. I always believed that formats were a quicker way in SAS.
Klaz

 

[klaz2002]

Phil,
I should have tested this before I posted. There is a limit of 32767 vars in a dataset. So an array can only have slightly over 32700 "boxes". Like I stated in my earlier post formats are much more efficient for this size ds.
Klaz

 

[ImSureThatShouldWork]

Klaz,

Thanks for the post - most handy. I'll change my code.

My problem was to produce six different cuts of a big dataset (each using different variations on five or six different class variables, which would normally require different sorts) on partially non-additive analysis variables, only using one pass through the data. My solution had been to have six arrays which - basically - I populated as I went along and then output all of them on the last row.
With your info, I'll probably just sort out the non-additive summaries that I need, and then output a row to one of six output datasets, and then fiddle with those.

Cheers

 

[ChrisW75]

I don't fully understand what you are saying there, but you should look at Proc Summary. If you specify multiple class variables, and don't specify the NWAY option, the proc summary is worked out on every combination possible of those class variables. The _TYPE_ variable lets you work out which particular combination you are looking at. It might give you the solution you are after.
Let me know if it helps.

 

[ImSureThatShouldWork]

Chris,

That was a cracking suggestion - that was what I was after.
I didn't realise you could specify the types in proc summary (despite using it for ages) but this is exactly what I need.

Cheers again.

Phil

 

[ChrisW75]

No worries, glad to help.