Quit vs Run statements in SAS?

Question

In SAS, what is the difference between 'quit' and 'run'? statements? I cannot figure out when to use 'quit' and when to use 'run'? For example, why is `proc datasets` using `quit` but `proc contents` using `run`

Answer 1

Use QUIT for PROC SQL; RUN and RUN CANCEL have no effect and generate a NOTE in the log.

I've always used RUN for EVERYTHING else and never had any issues or NOTEs generated. If you code PROC DATASETS; RUN; the procedure will be terminated by the next PROC or DATA step anyway. No harm.

But, specifically to answer your question...

Straight from the SAS documentation:

RUN-group processing enables you to submit a PROC step with a RUN statement without ending the procedure. You can continue to use the procedure without issuing another PROC statement. To end the procedure, use a RUN CANCEL or a QUIT statement. Several base SAS procedures support RUN-group processing:

CATALOG

DATASETS

PLOT

PMENU

TRANTAB

See the section on the individual procedure for more information.

Note:  PROC SQL executes each query automatically. Neither the RUN nor RUN CANCEL statement has any effect.