Although you can write SAS statements in almost any format, a consistent layout enhances readability and enables you to understand the program's purpose. It is a good idea to begin DATA and PROC steps in column one, to indent statements within a step, to begin RUN statements in column one, and to include a RUN statement after every DATA step or PROC step.

To correct errors in programs when you use the Editor window, you usually need to recall the submitted statements from the recall buffer to the Editor window. After correcting the errors, you can resubmit the revised program. However, before doing so, it is a good idea to clear the messages from the Log window so that you do not confuse the old error messages with the new messages. Remember to check the Log window again to verify that your program ran correctly.

The missing quotation mark in the LABEL statement causes SAS to misinterpret the statements in the program. When you submit the program, SAS is unable to resolve the PROC step, and a PROC PRINT running message appears at the top of the active window.

Syntax errors generally cause SAS to stop processing the step in which the error occurred. When a program that contains an error is submitted, messages regarding the problem also appear in the Log window. When a syntax error is detected, the Log window displays the word ERROR, identifies the possible location of the error, and gives an explanation of the error.

Syntax errors are common types of errors. Some SAS system options and features of the code editing window can help you identify syntax errors. Other types of errors include data errors and logic errors.

When you submit a SAS statement that contains an invalid option, a log message notifies you that the option is not valid or not recognized. You should recall the program, remove or replace the invalid option, check your statement syntax as needed, and resubmit the corrected program.

The DATA step contains a misspelled keyword (dat instead of data). However, this is such a common (and easily interpretable) error that SAS produces only a warning message, not an error.

This program contains an unbalanced quotation mark. When you have an unbalanced quotation mark, SAS is often unable to detect the end of the statement in which it occurs. Simply adding a quotation mark and resubmitting your program usually does not solve the problem. SAS still considers the quotation marks to be unbalanced. To correct the error, you need to resolve the unbalanced quotation mark before you recall, correct, and resubmit the program.

Without a RUN statement (or a following DATA or PROC step), the DATA step does not execute, so it continues to run. Unbalanced quotation marks can also cause the DATA step running message if relatively little code follows the unbalanced quotation mark. The other three problems that the quiz question mentions also generate errors or warnings in the Log window.

A logic error occurs when the program statements follow the rules and execute, but the results are not correct. You can use the PUTLOG statement in the DATA step to help identify logic errors.