Reconfiguring the SAS Program Editor Under Linux
The SAS Program Editor under Linux is configured to work like the editor for mainframe SAS. While it functions perfectly well and is preferred by some, those familiar with using SAS for Windows find the behavior of this editor archaic and off-putting.
With a few configuration steps, it is possible to make the Linux editor behave in a much more Windows-like fashion with the following effects:
- line numbers are no longer displayed
- the Enter key will split lines; the Backspace key will join lines
keystrokes insert by default when there is text at the cursor [behavior may be toggled to overtype with the Insert key]
- cut and paste operations work as expected
These configuration steps are described for Version 9 of SAS for Linux.
Open SAS from the Linux command line: sas &
Modify SAS Program Editor Options
From the Program Editor window, select Tools > Options > Program Editor...
the SAS: Program Editor Options window opens
Select the Editing tab, then:
select the Split lines on a carriage return option
deselect the Display line numbers option
click OK to save settings and close the window
- attachment:sas_pgm_ed.png
- The line numbers at the left of the editor window disappear
Modify SAS Preferences
From any window, select Tools > Options > Preferences...
the Preferences window opens
Select the DMS tab, then:
in the Display Manager settings, delect the Save Settings on Exit option
- attachment:sas_pref_dms.png
Select the Editing tab, then:
deselect the Automatically store selection option
change the Cursor setting from Overtype to Insert
click OK to save settings and close the window
- attachment:sas_pref_ed.png
Modify SAS Keys Settings
From any window, select Tools > Options > Keys
the SAS: KEYS window opens
In the SAS: KEYS type store and paste into the following key definitions
Key
Definition
Ctrl C
store
Ctrl V
paste
Select File > Save
Then select File > Close