Better Hashing in SAS 9.2

Overview

The DATA step hash object is one of the most versatile new features of Base SAS programming. Since its introduction in SAS 9, the paper has numerous accounts from users where the hash object has drastically reduced data processing time for complex data join operations. Based on feedback, the paper has further enhanced the hash object. For SAS 9.2, the paper introduces the ability to store duplicate keys in a hash object and have added a find frequency counter. This paper leverages the duplicate key capability to implement true SQL-like joins as well as partial-key look-ups. In addition, the paper explores uses for the find frequency counter. Go beyond SAS 9.1 and see why hashing in SAS 9.2 improves how one processes data.