PROC SQL by Example: Using SQL within SAS - Softcover

Schreier, Howard

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1599942976 ISBN 13: 9781599942971

Publisher: SAS Institute, 2008

Synopsis

In PROC SQL by Example: Using SQL within SAS, author Howard Schreier illustrates the use of PROC SQL in the context of the SAS DATA step and other SAS procedures (such as SORT, FREQ, MEANS, SUMMARY, APPEND, DATASETS, and TRANSPOSE) whose functionality overlaps and complements that of SQL.

Using a side-by-side approach, this concise reference guide includes many extensively explained examples showing equivalent DATA step and SQL code, enabling SAS users to take advantage of existing SAS skills and knowledge while learning about SQL. Discussions cover the differences between SQL and the DATA step as well as situations where SQL and the DATA step are used together to benefit from the strengths of each.

Topics addressed include working with joins and merges; using subqueries; understanding set operators; using the Macro Facility with PROC SQL; maintaining tables; working with views; using PROC SQL as a report generator; and more.

This text is ideal for SAS programmers seeking to add PROC SQL to their SAS toolkits as well as SQL programmers striving to better integrate the SAS DATA step and SQL.

About this title

About the Author

Howard Schreier, an independent consultant and trainer, has been a SAS® user since 1981. He has presented numerous papers at various SAS user group meetings, and has served as section chair at several SAS conferences. He has contributed around 7,000 posts to the SAS-L mailing list over 20 years, and is a member of the SAS-L Hall of Fame. Howard received his BA in Economics from the University of Michigan in 1976 and his MPh in Economics from The George Washington University in 1983.

Review

PROC SQL by Example: Using SQL within SAS will appeal especially to those who have some experience with SAS DATA step programming and procedures, and who now have an interest in moving into SQL database programming. The author illustrates how SAS DATA steps and procedures translate into SQL syntax. More important, he also helps the reader understand how SQL programs embody logical constructs as opposed to procedural steps. Discussions of DATA step and SAS SQL programs build on actual programs that a reader can execute and modify. Perhaps for this reason, the text and examples achieve a level of precision and integrity that one rarely finds in a how to by example text. Notable extra features include discussions of SAS SQL options, set operators, using PROC SQL as a report generator (as an alternative to PROC REPORT or PROC TABULATE), SAS MACRO scripting, pivoting data structures using PROC TRANSPOSE, and data set persistence versus replacement.

This book takes the programming cookbook genre to a new level of excellence. --Sigurd W. Hermansen, Westat

This exceptionally readable book will allow SQL programmers at all levels to enhance and expand their skills with this very versatile Base SAS procedure. Howard Schreier s approach of providing DATA step methods followed by SQL techniques to accomplish the same result is a very effective teaching technique, particularly for SAS programmers comfortable with the DATA step who want to add PROC SQL to their data management and reporting toolbox. The writing style is clear and concise, and the overall organization of the book is very logical and easy to follow. An exceptional feature of this book is the way that the explanation of each example provides insight into how PROC SQL thinks, making the use of this procedure more intuitive for beginners and experienced users alike. In particular, the chapters on joins and subqueries, as well as the one on using the Macro Facility with PROC SQL, are wonderfully comprehensive and will provide a reference that you will turn to again and again. --Christianna Williams, PhD, Senior Associate, Abt Associates Inc

PROC SQL by Example: Using SQL within SAS is an excellent introduction and reference manual for users looking to learn or brush up on their PROC SQL skills. The book does a great job of comparing SAS procedures to their PROC SQL counterparts. Using multiple examples, the book enables readers to easily follow along and grasp the knowledge needed to effectively enhance their SAS skills to tackle complex and new problems that might have been overwhelming before.

The key concepts of joining data are laid out and presented in a straightforward and easy-to-understand manner. Having this base knowledge is invaluable, as it allows readers to expand their knowledge of SQL, the foundation and core of the topic. The use of indexes and macros within PROC SQL also arms readers with tools to gain efficiencies and harness the additional powers of SAS.

Overall, PROC SQL by Example is a great introduction to the topic and will benefit those looking to make the jump forward. --Faisal Dosani, Senior Information Analyst

This exceptionally readable book will allow SQL programmers at all levels to enhance and expand their skills with this very versatile Base SAS procedure. Howard Schreier s approach of providing DATA step methods followed by SQL techniques to accomplish the same result is a very effective teaching technique, particularly for SAS programmers comfortable with the DATA step who want to add PROC SQL to their data management and reporting toolbox. The writing style is clear and concise, and the overall organization of the book is very logical and easy to follow. An exceptional feature of this book is the way that the explanation of each example provides insight into how PROC SQL thinks, making the use of this procedure more intuitive for beginners and experienced users alike. In particular, the chapters on joins and subqueries, as well as the one on using the Macro Facility with PROC SQL, are wonderfully comprehensive and will provide a reference that you will turn to again and again. --Christianna Williams, PhD, Senior Associate, Abt Associates Inc

PROC SQL by Example: Using SQL within SAS is an excellent introduction and reference manual for users looking to learn or brush up on their PROC SQL skills. The book does a great job of comparing SAS procedures to their PROC SQL counterparts. Using multiple examples, the book enables readers to easily follow along and grasp the knowledge needed to effectively enhance their SAS skills to tackle complex and new problems that might have been overwhelming before.

The key concepts of joining data are laid out and presented in a straightforward and easy-to-understand manner. Having this base knowledge is invaluable, as it allows readers to expand their knowledge of SQL, the foundation and core of the topic. The use of indexes and macros within PROC SQL also arms readers with tools to gain efficiencies and harness the additional powers of SAS.

Overall, PROC SQL by Example is a great introduction to the topic and will benefit those looking to make the jump forward. --Faisal Dosani, Senior Information Analyst

Edition details

• Publisher: SAS Institute
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 1599942976
• ISBN 13: 9781599942971
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 304