How do numeric and character variables differ in SAS?

Numeric and character variables in SAS serve distinct purposes and are fundamental to data management within the system. Numeric variables are designed specifically to hold numerical values, such as integers or decimals, which can be used for various mathematical operations, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. This capability is crucial for performing calculations, statistical analyses, and mathematical modeling.

On the other hand, character variables are used to store text data. This can include letters, symbols, and numeric values that are treated as text rather than something to be calculated. For instance, a character variable could store the zip code "12345" or a string of characters like "John Doe," where the numerical aspect holds no arithmetic relevance.

The distinction between numeric and character types is essential for data integrity and ensuring that analyses are performed correctly. The functions and operations available in SAS differ based on the type of variable, making understanding this difference vital when programming in SAS. Choosing the appropriate variable type based on the data you are working with directly impacts the accuracy and efficiency of data processing tasks.