R-S

random access

the ability to retrieve records in a file without reading all records sequentially.

remote host

a computer physically removed from yours that you can log in to.

return code

a code passed to the operating system that indicates whether a command or job step has executed successfully.

SAS catalog

a SAS file that stores many different kinds of information in smaller units called entries. A single SAS catalog can contain several different types of catalog entries.

See also SAS catalog entry.

SAS catalog entry

a separate storage unit within a SAS catalog. Each entry has an entry type that identifies its purpose to SAS. Some catalog entries contain system information such as key definitions. Other catalog entries contain application information such as window definitions, Help windows , formats, informats, macros, or graphics output.

SAS command

a command that invokes SAS. This command may vary depending on the operating environment and site.

See also SAS invocation.

SAS data file

a SAS data set that contains data values as well as descriptor information that is associated with the data.

SAS data library

a collection of one or more SAS files that are recognized by SAS and which are referenced and stored as a unit. Each file is a member of the library.

SAS data set

a file whose contents are in one of the native SAS file formats. There are two types of SAS data sets: SAS data files and SAS data views. SAS data files contain data values in addition to descriptor information that is associated with the data. SAS data views contain only the descriptor information plus other information that is required for retrieving data values from other SAS data values from other SAS data sets or from files whose contents are in other software vendors ' file formats.

See also descriptor information.

SAS data set option

an option that appears in parentheses after a SAS data set name . Data set options specify actions that apply only to the processing of that SAS data set.

SAS data view

a type of SAS data set that retrieves data values from other files. A SAS data view contains only descriptor information such as the data types and lengths of the variables ( columns ), plus other information that is required for retrieving data values from other SAS data sets or from files that are stored in other software vendors' file formats.

SAS file

a specially structured file that is created, organized, and, optionally , maintained by SAS. A SAS file can be a SAS data set, a catalog, a stored program, or an access descriptor.

SAS initialization

the setting of global characteristics that must be in place at start-up for a SAS programming environment. SAS performs initialization by setting certain SAS system options called initialization options. Invoking SAS software initiates SAS initialization.

SAS invocation

the process of calling or starting up SAS software by an individual user through execution of the SAS command. Invoking SAS initiates SAS initialization.

See also SAS initialization.

SAS log

a file that contains a record of the SAS statements that you enter as well as messages about the execution of your program.

SAS session

See session.

SAS system option

an option that affects the processing of an entire SAS program or interactive SAS session from the time the option is specified until it is changed. Examples of items controlled by SAS system options include appearance of SAS output, handling of some files that are used by SAS, use of system variables, the processing observations in SAS data sets, features of SAS initialization, and the way SAS interacts with your host operating environment.

SAS windowing environment

an interactive windowing interface to SAS software. In this environment you can issue commands by typing them on the command line, by pressing function keys, or by selecting items from menus or menu bars. Within one session, you can perform many different tasks , including preparing and submitting programs, viewing and printing results, and debugging and resubmitting programs.

Sashelp library

a SAS data library supplied by SAS software that stores text for HELP windows, default function key and window definitions, and menus.

Sasuser library

a default, permanent SAS data library that is created at the beginning of your first SAS session. The Sasuser library contains a Profile catalog that stores the tailoring features you specify for SAS. You can also store other SAS files in this library.

Sasuser.Profile catalog

a SAS catalog in which SAS stores information about attributes of your SAS windowing environment. For example, this catalog contains function-key definitions, fonts for graphics applications, window attributes, and other information that is used by interactive SAS procedures.

See also SAS catalog.

sequential access

a method of file access in which the records are read or written one after the other from the beginning of the file to the end.

server

(1) in a network, a computer that is reserved for servicing other computers in the network. Servers can provide several different types of services, such as file services and communication services. Servers can also enable users to access shared resources such as disks, data, and modems. (2) in the X Window System, software that transfers information between various clients on a network. Through their clients , users can submit input to and request output from a server.

See also client.

session

a single period during which a software application is in use, from the time the application is invoked until its execution is terminated .

session gravity

in the X Window interface to SAS, the resource that controls the region of the workstation display in which SAS attempts to place its windows.

shell

a UNIX command interpreter. Sample shells are sh, csh, and ksh.

shell script

a file containing commands that can be read and executed by the shell. A shell script is also called a shell procedure or a shell program.

special file

under UNIX operating systems, an interface to an input or output device. Writing to or reading from the file activates the device.

standard error

under UNIX operating systems, the destination of the program's error messages.

standard input

the primary source of data going into a command. Standard input comes from the keyboard unless it is being redirected from a file or piped from another command.

standard output

the primary destination of data coming from a command. Standard output goes to the display unless it is being redirected to a file or piped to another command.

swapping

the action of moving segments from memory to disk and vice versa.

system option

See SAS system option.