What is PROC SQL used for in SAS?

PROC SQL is a powerful procedure in SAS that allows users to perform SQL queries directly within the SAS programming environment. This enables users to execute a variety of SQL commands, such as SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE, on datasets managed in SAS. By using PROC SQL, programmers can leverage their SQL knowledge to manipulate and extract data without needing to utilize other SAS procedures or programming methods.

The versatility of PROC SQL also includes capabilities like joining tables, subsetting data, and aggregating results, which are essential for data analysis workflows. The ease of writing SQL queries makes it a popular choice for SAS users who are familiar with SQL syntax, thus facilitating complex data manipulations in a straightforward manner.

The other options pertain to different functionalities within SAS. Generating graphical representations of data is typically done with procedures like PROC SGPLOT or PROC GCHART, importing data from external databases involves procedures such as PROC IMPORT or connectors like LIBNAME for databases, and summarizing statistical information usually utilizes procedures like PROC MEANS or PROC SUMMARY.