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Advanced SAS Programming Techniques

4.8 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Based on 90 ratings
see reviews
Michele Ensor

In this course, you learn advanced techniques within the DATA step and procedures to manipulate data.

“By the end of this course, a learner will be able to…”

● Use additional functions (LAG, FINDC/FINDW, and COUNT/COUNTC/COUNTW).

● Perform pattern matching using PRX functions.

● Process repetitive code, rotate data, and perform table lookups using arrays.

● Perform table lookups and sort data using hash and hash iterator objects.

● Create numeric templates using the FORMAT procedure.

● Create custom functions using the FCMP procedure.

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What's inside

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.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores advanced DATA step techniques and SAS procedures to manipulate data efficiently
In-depth exploration of advanced functions (LAG, FINDC/FINDW, COUNT/COUNTC/COUNTW) for data analysis and manipulation
Leverages pattern matching using PRX functions to extract and analyze data effectively
Utilizes arrays for processing repetitive code, rotating data, and performing table lookups, enhancing code efficiency
Introduces hash and hash iterator objects for performing table lookups and sorting data, optimizing performance
Covers the creation of numeric templates using the FORMAT procedure, allowing for customized data display

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Reviews summary

Mastering advanced sas data techniques

According to learners, this course is an outstanding deep dive into advanced SAS programming, particularly for those seeking to optimize data manipulation and enhance coding efficiency. Many students highlight the course's strength in teaching complex DATA step techniques, including proficient use of hash objects and arrays for performance improvements and table lookups. Reviewers consistently praise the course for its practical application and direct relevance to professional data analysis roles. While largely positive, some learners note that the pace can be challenging and a strong foundation in base SAS is essential, suggesting it’s best suited for intermediate to advanced users.
Instructor provides clear and digestible explanations.
"The instructor's explanations were mostly clear..."
"The instructor was fantastic, explaining tough concepts like regular expressions in a clear, digestible way."
"The theoretical concepts are well-explained..."
Offers beneficial exercises and examples to reinforce concepts.
"The hands-on exercises truly reinforced the concepts."
"Good practical examples throughout."
"The PROC FORMAT PICTURE statement examples were great."
Covers complex topics with significant detail and clarity.
"The modules on hash objects and PRX functions were particularly helpful, presenting complex topics with incredible clarity."
"The depth on hash objects for performance is unparalleled, and I loved the practical focus."
"Learned a ton about advanced functions like LAG and FINDC. The content is top-notch."
Provides highly relevant skills for professional use.
"I use these techniques daily at work now. Highly recommend for intermediate to advanced users."
"This is exactly what I needed to become more proficient and productive in my data analysis role."
"I felt the course provided enough practical scenarios to apply what I learned immediately."
Mostly clear, but some parts can feel rushed or difficult to follow.
"Some parts felt a bit rushed, especially the FCMP procedure."
"The pace was sometimes too fast, and I had to re-watch lectures multiple times."
"While the topics are advanced, I felt some of the demonstrations were hard to follow due to rapid coding."
Requires a solid understanding of fundamental SAS concepts.
"It assumes a strong foundation in base SAS, so make sure you're ready for that intensity."
"I found it quite challenging. I might not have had strong enough prerequisites."
"It's for serious learners, not casual dabblers. The content is top-notch, though."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Advanced SAS Programming Techniques with these activities:
Review SAS basics
Improve your understanding of SAS fundamentals to better grasp advanced concepts covered in this course.
Browse courses on SAS
Show steps
  • Review concepts like data types, data structures, and operators.
  • Practice writing basic SAS code to manipulate data.
Data Manipulation Drills
Reinforce your knowledge of advanced DATA step functions by solving practical data manipulation challenges.
Browse courses on Data Transformation
Show steps
  • Select and filter data using FINDC/FINDW and LAG.
  • Perform pattern matching operations using PRX functions.
  • Count and clean data using COUNT/COUNTC/COUNTW.
Advanced SAS Hash Techniques
Expand your knowledge of SAS hash objects and iterators through guided tutorials, improving your ability to efficiently store and retrieve data.
Show steps
  • Explore the concepts of hash objects and hash iterators.
  • Follow tutorials on creating and manipulating hash objects.
  • Practice using hash iterators to process data in a specific order.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Custom Function Development
Gain practical experience in creating custom SAS functions using the FCMP procedure, enhancing your ability to automate complex data processing tasks.
Show steps
  • Design and implement a custom function using FCMP.
  • Test and debug your function to ensure accuracy.
  • Incorporate your function into DATA step programs.
Create a hash table implementation
Develop a deeper understanding of hash tables by implementing one from scratch.
Browse courses on Hash Tables
Show steps
  • Design and implement a hash table data structure using SAS code.
  • Test your hash table's functionality with various search and insert operations.
  • Analyze the performance of your hash table and identify areas for optimization.
Build a data analysis dashboard
Apply your SAS skills to create a functional data analysis dashboard for a real-world dataset.
Browse courses on Data Visualization
Show steps
  • Gather and clean a dataset of your choice.
  • Create visualizations to represent key insights from the data.
  • Use the FORMAT procedure to enhance the presentation and readability of your dashboard.
  • Share your dashboard with others and gather feedback.
Participate in a SAS coding competition
Test your SAS skills against others and gain valuable experience in solving real-world data challenges.
Show steps
  • Identify a suitable SAS coding competition.
  • Form a team or participate individually.
  • Develop a solution to the competition's problem statement.
  • Submit your solution and receive feedback from the organizers.

Career center

Learners who complete Advanced SAS Programming Techniques will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Data Analyst
A Data Analyst collects, interprets, and presents data to help businesses make informed decisions. By taking the Advanced SAS Programming Techniques course, you can strengthen your ability to clean, sort, and analyze complex datasets, making you a more effective Data Analyst.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst
Business Intelligence Analyst
A Business Intelligence Analyst uses data to improve a company's performance. By taking the Advanced SAS Programming Techniques course, you will gain skills in data manipulation, analysis, and visualization which can help you excel in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Intelligence Analyst
Data Scientist
A Data Scientist uses advanced statistical and programming techniques to solve business problems. By taking the Advanced SAS Programming Techniques course, you can learn advanced data manipulation and analysis techniques that are essential for success in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist
Statistician
A Statistician collects, analyzes, interprets, and presents data. By taking the Advanced SAS Programming Techniques course, you can gain skills in data manipulation, analysis, and visualization that are essential for success in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician
Research Analyst
A Research Analyst conducts research to help businesses make informed decisions. By taking the Advanced SAS Programming Techniques course, you can gain skills in data manipulation, analysis, and visualization that can help you be more effective in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Research Analyst
Database Administrator
A Database Administrator manages and maintains databases. By taking the Advanced SAS Programming Techniques course, you will learn skills in data manipulation and analysis that can be applied to database management, making you a more effective Database Administrator.
See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator
Operations Research Analyst
An Operations Research Analyst uses mathematical and analytical techniques to solve business problems. By taking the Advanced SAS Programming Techniques course, you can learn advanced data manipulation and analysis techniques that can be applied to operations research, helping you to be more effective in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst
Market Research Analyst
A Market Research Analyst conducts research to help businesses understand their customers and make informed decisions. By taking the Advanced SAS Programming Techniques course, you will learn skills in data manipulation and analysis that can help you excel in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Market Research Analyst
Financial Analyst
A Financial Analyst uses financial data to make investment decisions. By taking the Advanced SAS Programming Techniques course, you can learn advanced data manipulation and analysis techniques that can be applied to financial analysis, helping you to be more effective in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst
Actuary
An Actuary uses mathematical and statistical techniques to assess risk and uncertainty. By taking the Advanced SAS Programming Techniques course, you will learn data manipulation and analysis techniques that can be applied to actuarial work, helping you to be more effective in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Actuary
Software Engineer
A Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software applications. By taking the Advanced SAS Programming Techniques course, you will learn data manipulation and analysis techniques that can be applied to software development, helping you to be more effective in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer
Computer Programmer
A Computer Programmer writes and maintains code for software applications. By taking the Advanced SAS Programming Techniques course, you will learn data manipulation and analysis techniques that can be applied to computer programming, helping you to be more effective in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer
Information Systems Analyst
An Information Systems Analyst designs, develops, and maintains computer systems. By taking the Advanced SAS Programming Techniques course, you will learn data manipulation and analysis techniques that can be applied to information systems analysis, helping you to be more effective in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Information Systems Analyst
Data Engineer
A Data Engineer builds and maintains data pipelines. By taking the Advanced SAS Programming Techniques course, you will learn data manipulation and analysis techniques that can be applied to data engineering, helping you to be more effective in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer
Machine Learning Engineer
A Machine Learning Engineer designs, develops, and maintains machine learning models. By taking the Advanced SAS Programming Techniques course, you will learn data manipulation and analysis techniques that can be applied to machine learning, helping you to be more effective in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Advanced SAS Programming Techniques.
Cover image
Data Management Solutions Using SAS Hash Table...
Save
Comprehensive reference guide to SAS programming. It valuable resource for students and practitioners alike who need to quickly find information about SAS programming.
Data Management Solutions Using SAS Hash Table...
Paperback
$$$
Data Management Solutions Using SAS Hash Table...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Little SAS Book
Save
Provides a collection of advanced SAS programming examples that can be used to supplement this course. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about SAS programming.
The Little SAS Book
Paperback
Check
The Little SAS Book
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Text as Data
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of SAS programming for business intelligence. It valuable resource for students and practitioners alike who need to learn how to use SAS for business intelligence.
Text as Data: Computational Methods of...
Hardcover
$$$
Text as Data: Computational Methods of...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Numerate Leader
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of big data techniques in SAS. It valuable resource for students and practitioners alike who need to learn how to use SAS for big data.
The Numerate Leader: How to Pull Game-Changing...
Hardcover
$$
The Numerate Leader: How to Pull Game-Changing...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Discovering Statistics Using SAS
Save
Provides a step-by-step approach to data analysis using SAS. It valuable resource for students and practitioners alike who are new to SAS programming.
Discovering Statistics Using SAS
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
Exercises and Projects for The Little SAS Book,...
Save
Offers a gentle introduction to SAS programming and is helpful as a prerequisite to or companion to this course.
Exercises and Projects for The Little SAS Book,...
Paperback
$$
Exercises and Projects for The Little SAS Book,...
Kindle Edition
$$

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Rating
4.8 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Effort
17 hours to complete
Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
SAS
Instructor
Michele Ensor
Language
English
Transcripts
Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша
This course belongs to a collection called SAS Advanced Programmer. It's comprised of three courses:
  1. Advanced SAS Programming Techniques (viewing)
  2. SAS Macro Language
  3. Structured Query Language (SQL) using SAS
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores advanced DATA step techniques and SAS procedures to manipulate data efficiently
In-depth exploration of advanced functions (LAG, FINDC/FINDW, COUNT/COUNTC/COUNTW) for data analysis and manipulation
Leverages pattern matching using PRX functions to extract and analyze data effectively
Utilizes arrays for processing repetitive code, rotating data, and performing table lookups, enhancing code efficiency
Introduces hash and hash iterator objects for performing table lookups and sorting data, optimizing performance
Covers the creation of numeric templates using the FORMAT procedure, allowing for customized data display
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