XML Engine Advantages

Using the XML engine with the DATA step or with PROC COPY provides the following advantages:

• XML data is stored as text. Unlike SAS files, XML documents can be read and updated by using a text editor.

• XML documents can be imported into applications other than SAS applications. For example, an XML document can be input to an Oracle application or it can be delivered to the Web. It can also be restored as a SAS data set for continued processing. If compatibility with other programs is important for your data, the XML engine is recommended.

• The XML engine supports SAS 8 and later features. Unlike the XPORT engine, the XML engine supports SAS 8 features such as long names .