How do you create a permanent data set in SAS?

Creating a permanent data set in SAS involves specifying the location where the data set will be stored after the SAS session ends. In this context, the correct approach is to use a two-level name that includes the library name. The first level represents the library, which is a designated folder or directory that stores SAS data sets, while the second level is the name of the data set itself. When you employ a two-level name (e.g., libref.datasetname), SAS saves the data set in the specified library, and it remains accessible in future sessions until it is deleted.

This method is essential for ensuring that any data you need to retain for analysis or reporting purposes is available beyond the current session, making it inherently permanent. Libraries are defined in SAS with the LIBNAME statement, allowing you to organize your data effectively.

The other methods discussed do not result in a permanent data set. Writing data to a temporary library creates data sets that vanish when the SAS session ends. A one-level name corresponds to the work library, which is temporary by default, and using a DATA step with a DBMS option typically pertains to reading or writing data to and from external sources like databases, rather than defining permanence within a SAS environment.