CONTINUE Statement

Stops processing the current DO-loop iteration and resumes processing the next iteration.

Valid in: DATA step
Categories: CAS
Control
Type: Executable
Restriction: Can be used only in a DO loop

Syntax

CONTINUE;

Without Arguments

The CONTINUE statement has no arguments. It stops processing statements within the current DO-loop iteration based on a condition. Processing resumes with the next iteration of the DO loop.

Comparisons

  • The CONTINUE statement stops processing the current iteration of a loop and resumes with the next iteration. The LEAVE statement causes processing of the current loop to end.
  • You can use the CONTINUE statement only in a DO loop. You can use the LEAVE statement in a DO loop or a SELECT group.

Example: Preventing Other Statements from Executing

This DATA step creates a report of benefits for new full-time employees. If an employee's status is PT (part-time), the CONTINUE statement prevents the second INPUT statement and the OUTPUT statement from executing.

data new_emp;
   drop i;
   do i=1 to 5;
      input name $ idno status $;
         /* return to top of loop  */
         /* when condition is true */
      if status='PT' then continue;
         input benefits $10.;
         output;
   end;
   datalines;
Becker 9011 PT
Tanaka 876 PT
Green 1002 FT
Eye/Dental
Kim 85111 PT
Patel 433 FT
HMO
;

See Also

Last updated: June 17, 2025