The
COPY procedure, along with the XPORT engine, can create and read transport
files that can be moved from one host to another. PROC COPY can create transport
files only with SAS data sets, not with catalogs or other types of SAS files.
Transporting is a three-step process:
- Use PROC COPY to copy one or
more SAS data sets to a file that
is created with the transport (XPORT) engine. This file is referred to as
a transport file and is always a sequential file.
- After the file is created, you can move it to another operating
environment via communications software, such as FTP, or tape. If you use
communications software, be sure to move the file in binary format to avoid
any type of conversion. If you are moving the file to a mainframe, the file
must have certain attributes. Consult the SAS documentation for your operating
environment and the SAS Technical Support Web page for more information.
- After you have successfully moved the file to the receiving host,
use PROC COPY to copy the data sets from the transport file to a SAS data
library.
For an example, see Copying SAS Data Sets between Hosts .
For details, see the SAS Technical
Support Web page. In addition, see
"An Overview of Transporting SAS between Hosts" in the SAS technical journal, Observations (3rd Qtr 1992), for a comprehensive overview of the transporting
process and some problem-solving tips.
The CPORT and CIMPORT procedures also provide a way to transport SAS
files. For information, see The CIMPORT Procedure and
The CPORT Procedure .
Copyright 1999 by SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA. All rights reserved.
