SAS Component Language: Reference

Creating Data Dynamically

SCL lists are dynamic rather than static. That is, SCL programs create these lists at run time. This means that list sizes are computed at run time rather than before the list is created. Further, unlike arrays, which have a fixed size, a list's length can grow or shrink to accommodate the amount of data you want to maintain.

SCL lists can contain items of mixed types, whereas SCL arrays are fixed in type. (Depending on its declaration, an array contains either numeric data or character data, but not both). One item in an SCL list can be a number and the next item can be a character string, while a third might be another list. Further, you have the freedom to replace a numeric value with a character value in a list, and vice versa. Although you can make lists that are of fixed type, you have the freedom to allow multiple types in the same list.

Note: Character values that are stored in SCL lists can be up to 32,766 characters per item. [cautionend]

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