SAS tip: a clean log is a starting point

Define meaningful exceptions

Scan for errors, warnings, conversion messages, uninitialised variables and unexpected merge behaviour. Keep any approved exceptions narrowly defined and explain why they are acceptable. Do not suppress messages simply to make a run appear clean.

Pair logs with data checks

A program can run successfully and still select the wrong population. Reconcile key counts, ranges and output structures independently. Save the log with the code and input version so a reviewer can reconstruct the run.

Sources & further reading

• SAS — Documentation

Sources checked 20 September 2026. Implementation commentary reflects a practical review perspective; source material may change.