Michael Raithel's "Tuning SAS Applications in MVS" has a chapter worth reading on indexes, it covers much of what has already been mentioned here. I'd reiterate exploring alternatives to sorting/indexing. SAS SQL, notsorted options on grouped data, and class statements all perform well in certain conditions.

Paul Choate

> -----Original Message----- > From: Peter Baade [mailto:Peter_Baade@HEALTH.QLD.GOV.AU] > Sent: Tuesday, December 17, 2002 5:32 PM > To: SAS-L@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU > Subject: Indexing SAS datasets > > > Are there any general rules as to whether indexing SAS datasets speeds > up performance? Is it a useful thing to use when using datasets >1 > million records. > > Any information (or pointers to information) would be most appreciated. > > Regards, > > Peter. > > > ********************************************************************** > This e-mail, including any attachments sent with it, is confidential > and for the sole use of the intended recipient(s). This confidentiality > is not waived or lost if you receive it and you are not the intended > recipient(s), or if it is transmitted/ received in error. > > Any unauthorised use, alteration, disclosure, distribution or review > of this e-mail is prohibited. It may be subject to a statutory duty of > confidentiality if it relates to health service matters. > > If you are not the intended recipient(s), or if you have received this > e-mail in error, you are asked to immediately notify the sender by > telephone or by return e-mail. You should also delete this e-mail > message and destroy any hard copies produced. > **********************************************************************