Naming Behavior When Retrieving DBMS Data

The tables in this section illustrate how SAS/ACCESS processes DBMS names when it retrieves data from a DBMS. This information applies generally to all interfaces. However, in some cases you do not need to specify these options because the option default values are DBMS-specific. For details, see the DBMS-specific reference section for your SAS/ACCESS interface. Available examples illustrate different types of naming actions and defaults.

DBMS Column Names to SAS Variable Names When Reading DBMS Data

DBMS Column Name

Desired SAS Variable Name

Options

Case-sensitive DBMS column name, such as Flight

Case-sensitive SAS variable name, such as Flight

No options are necessary.

DBMS column name with characters that are not valid in SAS names, such as My$Flight

Case-sensitive SAS variable name where an underscore replaces the invalid characters, such as My_Flight

No options are necessary.

DBMS column name with characters that are not valid in SAS names, such as My$Flight

Nonstandard, case-sensitive SAS variable name, such as My$Flight

PROC SQL DQUOTE=ANSI or, in a DATA or PROC step, use a SAS name literal such as 'My$Flight'n and VALIDVARNAME=ANY.

DBMS Table Names to SAS Data Set Names When Reading DBMS Data

DBMS Table Name

Desired SAS Data Set Name

Options

Default DBMS table name, such as STAFF

Default SAS data set or member name (uppercase), such as STAFF

PRESERVE_TAB_NAMES=NO

Case-sensitive DBMS table name, such as Staff

Case-sensitive SAS data set, such as Staff

PRESERVE_TAB_NAMES=YES

DBMS table name with characters that are not valid in SAS names, such as All$Staff

Nonstandard, case-sensitive SAS data set name, such as All$Staff

PROC SQL DQUOTE=ANSI and PRESERVE_TAB_NAMES=YES or, in a DATA step or PROC, use a SAS name literal such as 'All$Staff'n and PRESERVE_TAB_NAMES=YES

Last updated: February 3, 2026