About the Data Set Options for Relational Databases

Overview

You can specify SAS/ACCESS data set options on a SAS data set when you access DBMS data with the SAS/ACCESS LIBNAME statement. A data set option applies only to the data set on which it is specified, and it remains in effect for the duration of the DATA step or procedure. For options that you can assign to a group of relational DBMS tables or views, see LIBNAME Options for Relational Databases.

Here is an example of how you can specify SAS/ACCESS data set options.

libname mydblib hadoop;
proc print mydblib.mytable(data-set-option=value);

You can also use SAS/ACCESS data set options on a SAS data set when you access DBMS data using access descriptors. See Overview. Here is an example.

proc print mylib.myviewd(data-set-option=value)

You cannot use most data set options in a PROC SQL DROP (table or view) statement.

You can use the CNTLLEV=, DROP=, FIRSTOBS=, IN=, KEEP=, OBS=, RENAME=, and WHERE= SAS data set options when you access DBMS data. SAS/ACCESS interfaces do not support the REPLACE= SAS data set option. For information about using SAS data set options, see SAS Data Set Options: Reference.

The information in this section explains all applicable data set options. The information includes DBMS support and the corresponding LIBNAME options, and it refers you to documentation for your SAS/ACCESS interface when appropriate. For a list of the data set options available in your SAS/ACCESS interface with default values, see the DBMS-specific reference section for your SAS/ACCESS interface.

Specifying data set options in PROC SQL might reduce performance because it prevents operations from being passed to the DBMS for processing. For more information, see Overview: Optimizing Your SQL Usage.

Last updated: February 3, 2026