SAS outputting results exclusively in HyperText Markup Language (HTML) often stems from the specific configuration of the ODS (Output Delivery System) destination. By default, or through explicit user settings, the ODS may be directed to generate HTML as the primary output format. This can occur within interactive SAS sessions or batch-processed jobs. For example, within a SAS program, statements like `ODS HTML;` explicitly instruct the system to produce HTML output. Alternatively, particular procedures or SAS Studio settings might have HTML as a pre-selected output format.
Generating output in HTML provides several advantages. HTML is universally compatible with web browsers, facilitating easy sharing and viewing of results without specialized software. Furthermore, HTML’s inherent structure allows for creating visually appealing and well-organized reports, incorporating tables, graphs, and formatted text. Historically, HTML has emerged as a standard for disseminating results due to its accessibility and integration with web-based platforms. This has made it especially relevant in environments where collaborative review and online distribution of findings are essential.
