Advanced SAS Programming Techniques

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/advanced-sas-programming-techniques

Introduction

### Course Review: Advanced SAS Programming Techniques In today's data-driven world, having a robust understanding of data manipulation and analysis is crucial, especially for data professionals. The **Advanced SAS Programming Techniques** course on Coursera stands out as an excellent opportunity for learners seeking to deepen their knowledge of the SAS programming language. This course is designed for those who are already familiar with basic SAS concepts and wish to master more complex functions and techniques that can enhance their data analysis capabilities. #### Course Overview The **Advanced SAS Programming Techniques** course offers an in-depth exploration of advanced methods in SAS, focusing on the DATA step and various procedures for efficacious data manipulation. Participants will engage with sophisticated functions, arrays, hash objects, and formatting processes that are essential in tackling complex data sets. By the end of the course, learners will achieve a comprehensive skill set, highlighted by the ability to: - Utilize advanced functions such as LAG, FINDC/FINDW, COUNT/COUNTC/COUNTW. - Execute pattern matching using Perl regular expression (PRX) functions. - Process repetitive code, rotate data, and conduct table lookups using arrays. - Manage and manipulate data using hash and hash iterator objects. - Create custom numeric templates with PROC FORMAT. #### Course Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Course Overview, Review, and Data Setup**: This initial module lays the groundwork by setting up the necessary software and data. It revisits fundamental concepts of the SAS DATA step, ensuring that all learners are on the same page before delving deeper. 2. **Using Advanced Functions**: This module elevates your skills by teaching you how to compare data across rows, identify and count substrings, and standardize data effectively. Practical exercises involving real-world data (e.g., storm and population statistics) add a refreshing context to learning. 3. **Defining and Processing Arrays**: Simplifying code is a key theme here, as learners are guided on how to handle repetitive tasks using arrays. This is incredibly helpful for anyone dealing with voluminous data sets. 4. **Defining and Processing Hash Objects**: Learners are introduced to hash objects, a powerful tool in SAS. This module covers creating and manipulating hash objects, crucial for efficient data storage and retrieval. Understanding hash iterators is also addressed, notably enhancing the data processing capabilities of participants. 5. **Using Utility Procedures**: The course concludes with utility procedures such as PROC FORMAT and PROC FCMP, allowing learners to create custom templates and functions. This final module fosters a nuanced understanding of output customization and function creation in SAS, empowering users to tailor their analyses to specific needs. #### Why You Should Enroll 1. **Expert Instruction**: This course is facilitated by knowledgeable instructors who provide insights derived from experience in the field. Their guidance offers practical perspectives on theoretical concepts. 2. **Hands-On Learning**: With practical exercises integrated into each module, learners can immediately apply what they have learned, solidifying their understanding through application. 3. **Flexibility**: Offered on Coursera, this course allows you to learn at your own pace, making it an ideal choice for working professionals or those with busy schedules. 4. **Certification**: Upon successful completion, you will receive a certificate that can enhance your resume and LinkedIn profile, showcasing your advanced skills in SAS programming to potential employers. In conclusion, **Advanced SAS Programming Techniques** on Coursera is a must for individuals looking to elevate their data manipulation skills and apply advanced SAS methodologies effectively. Whether you are in the field of data analytics, statistics, or business intelligence, this course will equip you with the essential tools and knowledge needed to tackle complex data challenges, making it a valuable investment in your professional development.

Syllabus

Course Overview, Review, and Data Setup

In this module, you'll set up software and data for this course. Then you'll review the concepts of SAS DATA step processing and how to process data sets.

In this module, you'll use advanced functions to compare data between multiple rows in a SAS table, find and count substrings within a column, and clean and standardize data. You'll also explore CALL routines, Perl regular expressions, and how to use advanced functions to modify and analyze storm, weather, and population data.

In this module, you'll learn how to use arrays to simplify your code. You'll use arrays to process repetitive code, rotate data, and perform table lookups.

In this module, you'll learn how to declare a hash object, instantiate or create an instance of the object, and initialize its lookup keys and data. You'll use the hash object to store and retrieve data, create an output table from the data in the hash object, and create a hash iterator object to process the data in a particular order.

In this module, you'll learn how to use PROC FORMAT's PICTURE statement to create a custom template to display large numbers, dates, and times. You'll also use PROC FCMP, the function compiler procedure, to create custom functions and CALL routines.