Statistical Analysis System (SAS) Programming Certification Practice Exam

What is the minimum field width required for the TIMEw. informat?

1. 4

2. 5

3. 6

4. 7

The correct answer is: 5

The TIMEw. informat in SAS is used to read time values. This informat is designed to interpret time values that include hours, minutes, and optionally, seconds. When considering the minimum field width for reading time values, it is important to recognize that typically time values are formatted in accordance with the HH:MM:SS structure. To effectively read times without any potential errors or loss of information, the minimum width required is critical. For example, a time value of "00:01" (1 minute) would require at least 5 characters for reading, as it must accommodate the leading zeros and the colon separator. Similarly, if seconds are included, such as in "12:34:56", the width extends beyond that, solidifying the justification for the minimum field requirement. In this context, a width of 5 is sufficient for reading times up to and including minutes without exceeding two digits. Thus, the minimum field width required for the TIMEw. informat to accurately capture and interpret the time value is confirmed to be 5 characters.