SQL definitely has its place, for example the pass thru ... for instance, use PROC SQL to merge datasets and calculate aggregates, then the data step for filtering and transforming results.

For example ... you can use a single proc sql statement with a join clause, instead of using multiple data steps with merge or set statements. Similarly, if you want to calculate summary ...

PROC SQL reserves very few keywords and then only in certain contexts. The ANSI Standard reserves all SQL keywords in all contexts. For example ... use as a column name. If you have a column named ...

DATA step views are very versatile because they can harness the power of SAS DATA step processing, including DO loops and IF-THEN-ELSE statements. DATA step views do not have write capability, that is ...